Scripture Reflection, May 11, 2025, Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 13:14, 43-52 Revelation 7:9, 14b-17 John 10:27-30

When I was a child I often heard my mother say "Virtue is its own reward.” At the time I thought that meant that virtue, acting the “right” way, would make you happy, would be rewarding… in real time! Now that I have gained the wisdom she had I would add the word… “ultimately.” Virtue is rewarding… ultimately…a timeline I did not realize when I was younger and expected the fruits of my virtuous life immediately. Sometimes when we do the right thing, what we know God expects of us, that choice entails struggle and a great deal of unpleasantness..

In today's first reading Paul and Barnabas, preaching in Antioch, are beaten up and run out of town for their efforts. In the second reading John's vision is of a “great multitude” in heavenly glory. "These are those who have survived the time of great distress.“ It would appear their heavenly reward has not come effortlessly.

But in our short gospel we hear the end of the story, of all our stories : following Jesus leads to eternal life. And this is what we celebrate in Eastertide. The empty tomb reminds us that doing the right thing, what the will of God demands, regardless of the cost, will be rewarded… ultimately. That the cross is not the end of the story.

Did Jesus die a success? Not according to the state or temple authorities of his day. He died a criminal, only one of many itinerant preachers. It is the empty tomb that gives to the life and death of Jesus God's resounding, Yes!

Follow me, Jesus says. And for him sometimes that meant complying with God’s will instead of the will of the temple or state. Cure, even if it's on the Sabbath. Reach out to the marginalized and oppressed, even if that makes you suspect.

I am old enough to remember the brave black students who sat at lunch counters and endured violence peacefully to oppose the state-sponsored evil of segregation — to remember Ruby Bridges, the brave little girl who walked through an angry mob to attend school.

Sometimes virtue, doing the right thing, resisting evil,… even the evil sanctioned by authority,… can get you in trouble. It can get you beaten up and run out of town,…or even crucified. It can certainly cost you friends. Today's gospel offers us consolation. Following Jesus to live in the reign of God, the God of justice and mercy, will be rewarded…at least ultimately.

by: Pat Schnee