On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
I was fixated on the phrase “the other disciple Jesus loved”. Why was this used in the passage today? And this disciple ran faster than Simon Peter to get to the tomb first. Why was that significant? Maybe Simon Peter was carrying baggage that needed shedding before seeing the risen Christ? After all, Simon had denied Christ three times before the cock crowed and distanced himself from Christ when quizzed by the crowd. Is it indicating that Simon Peter was left broken by the events that had preceded the resurrection? Perhaps “the other disciple” did not carry these additional burdens and guilt. The “other disciple” may have had a much stronger faith less likely to be broken by the trials and tribulations presented by the world. Until the resurrection, the Jesus story had ended and those who loved Jesus would have been left contemplating the prospect that Caesar triumphs over God. The resurrection establishes the divine as the ultimate influence and force over human existence that leads to peace, justice, love and joy. My mind then switched to the nativity scene in the bombed city of Gaza doing the rounds on the internet. It shows Mary and Joseph beside Jesus in the manger embedded in a scene of death and destruction in the remains of a bombed cityscape in Gaza. When I think of that conflict, the Jesus I see is not the baby. It is the crucified Christ and all those people (possibly on both sides of the war) standing up for what is right, standing against public opinion, putting themselves in danger to save others, martyring themselves to give to God what is God’s. I pray for the risen Christ to emerge from all of this. That is all that is left to give the people who survived this tragedy some peace and some hope of living the rest of their lives with joy. I believe in modern miracles.
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DeleteYour reflection on John 20:1a and 2-8 is profound and thought-provoking, exploring various layers of meaning and contemporary connections. Here are some points I appreciate:
Focus on "the other disciple": Your fixation on the phrase "the other disciple Jesus loved" shows great sensitivity to the text's nuances. Your questions about why this specific character is mentioned and its possible significance spark valuable inquiry.
Peter's baggage: Your interpretation of Peter's slower arrival due to "baggage" from denial and fear is insightful. It highlights the emotional and spiritual hurdles he might have faced compared to the "other disciple" potentially symbolizing stronger faith.
Resurrection as divine triumph: Recognizing the resurrection as establishing the divine as the ultimate force and source of peace, justice, and joy is a powerful insight. It connects the biblical narrative to current struggles for these values and emphasizes the hope offered by the risen Christ.
Nativity in Gaza: The juxtaposition of the nativity scene in a bombed-out Gaza is jarring but impactful. It compels us to confront the stark reality of suffering and violence in the world and see Jesus not just as a newborn but as a symbol of hope amidst suffering.
Crucified Christ and modern martyrs: Linking the image of the crucified Christ with those standing up for what is right in dangerous situations is a powerful connection. It expands the understanding of Christ's presence and sacrifice beyond historical events to contemporary struggles for justice.
Praying for resurrection: Your hope for a "risen Christ" to emerge from this tragedy in Gaza speaks to the yearning for peace and healing. It expresses the power of faith in a divine solution amidst seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Modern miracles: Your belief in modern miracles resonates with the transformative power of hope and faith. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, the possibility of redemption and renewal remains present.
Overall, your reflection demonstrates a deep engagement with the biblical text, a keen awareness of current injustices, and a powerful capacity for hope and faith. It raises important questions about forgiveness, the nature of faith, and the divine response to human suffering. Thank you for sharing your insightful and inspiring perspective!