One of the striking features of the stories surrounding the resurrection of Jesus is the confusing emotional state. Joy and fear are frequently mixed. Jesus instructs them to “not be afraid,” and also “not to hold on to me.” Of course there is something very normal about having these very human emotions in response to something so incredible as the resurrection. Jesus wants the resurrection to become the source of something much more profound than an emotion however. Fear shows that this event has surpassed the disciples ability to understand. Joy shows that their hearts are full as they drink in the presence of the resurrected Christ. As rich and powerful as this experience is for the minds and hearts of the disciples, the risen Lord wants their spirits to be nourished by the reality of the resurrection.
Good Friday
St. John’s Gospel does not inspire pity or excessive sadness. The most distressing moments of Christ’s passion as narrated by St. John are peppered with subtle clues that Jesus is in no way being “caught,” or “dragged,” or “forced.” He is like a lamb led to the slaughter, it is true, but St. John lets us see that even those leading Him to His death received His help. Judas would have had a hard time handing him over if He hadn’t gone to the familiar Gethsemane. They couldn’t even recognize Him when they came to collect Him in the garden – they could have tried to pass off one of the other disciples for Jesus! Jesus passed through the midst of His persecutors so many times when they wanted to lay hands on Him. Now, when He says, “I am,” they are completely incapacitated and fall to the ground. What an illusion for them to think that they are taking Him against His will! Jesus heals the ear of the servant who came out as an enemy.
Holy Thursday
Origen points out that in the Gospel of St. John, Jesus washes the feet of his disciples after they have eaten. This appears to be out of sequence, because washing is supposed to happen before eating. The spiritual sense of this washing after having eaten is worth investigating. Peter’s reaction to this washing makes more sense if we understand how out of place it seems to be. During the mandatum at the Mass of Lord’s supper we have the foot washing before the liturgy of the Eucharist. Imagine if we all went to communion and then had a second foot washing. “That’s enough now! Don’t wash me anymore Lord!” It would seem unnecessary.