A homily for the Third Sunday of Easter, May 1, 2022
Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41, Rev 5:11-14, Jn 21:1-19
After Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the Kremlin ordered steep fines and lengthy prison terms for anyone caught protesting against the so-called “special military operation.”
Thousands took to the streets in cities all over Russia, in defiance of the order.
After it became clear that the U.S. military presence in Vietnam was ill-advised and that there was growing discontent among citizens, especially young people, cities ordered curfews and demanded that groups apply for permits before exercising their First Amendment rights.
Tens of thousands took to the streets in cities all over America, in defiance of the orders.
After it became painfully obvious that skin color was being used as a reason to deny Americans their God-given inalienable rights, and that disenfranchised people planned to demonstrate and defy Jim Crow laws, states ordered lockdowns and warned of massive legal and extra-legal punishments.
Millions took to the streets in cities all over America, in defiance of the orders and threats.
Just as a handful of believers did in the First Century.
In every instance of the innumerable righteous protests in modern recorded history, from the Boston Tea Party to the Women’s March on Washington and beyond, people stood up for what they deeply held as Truth.
Fearlessly.
Or, better: Despite their fears.
In far too many instances — even in nations such as ours that promise the right to peaceably assemble to redress grievances — the powers-that-be used their supposed authority to preserve the status quo, no matter how far from Truth it was. Or is.
Attack dogs and fire hoses. Lynchings. Billy clubs and Mace. Jail. Flash-bang grenades. Rubber bullets and full metal jackets.
Four dead in Ohio.
Crucifixion upside-down.
Humiliation, flogging, a crown of thorns, crucifixion with massive nails pounded through an innocent man’s flesh.
Our passage today from the Acts of the Apostles again reminds us that change for the sake of progress and improvement, for the advancement of the greatest Truth, poses a threat to people who like things just the way they are, especially if those people are the ones who benefit the most from present circumstances.
Hypocritical nabobs greedy for power or earthly wealth punish, banish or imprison those evangelists who would shine a light on the leaders’ sins.
Evangelists who should count us among their ranks.
In the passage from Acts proclaimed at Wednesday’s midweek Mass, the disciples of Jesus Christ who were preaching his Word and Truth and encouraging people to follow in Christ’s Way were jailed, only to escape courtesy of divine intervention.
Protesters in Russia, Washington, Chicago and Selma didn’t have angels unlocking cells for them, yet despite the dangers they made their voices heard.
Are we among them?
Truth is hard. Justice and fairness are hard.
Progress is more frightening than earthquakes, because progress shaped by Truth and Justice does indeed shake the very foundations of what we know as the Now Normal.
But is what’s normal now the best it can be? The best we can be?
As we coped with COVID, let alone with the social injustices that have persisted since long before Jesus walked the Earth — and which still persist — everyone started to accept the notion that there would be a New Normal.
How are we defining it? What elements does New Normal include?
Will New Normal hew closely to the teachings in the Gospels?
And will we be the ones who shape it and preach it fearlessly?
Will we be the ones who shape it and preach it despite our fears?
Our window for ensuring that New Normal truly elevates humankind is rapidly closing.
It’s time for us to break free from the prison of our couch and reveal Christ’s Way, the Way of Truth and Justice.
The Son of God is calling us from the cross, calling us to step up through our words and deeds.
Sending angels to break us free from the prisons of our fears.
