Third Sunday of Easter

Understanding Scripture and the Breaking of Bread

     Reading the Bible is not like reading other books. For one thing, the Bible is more of an anthology, a collection of books, rather than a single book. In it are stories, prophecies, histories, wise sayings, songs, letters, religious tracts (1 John), and the life of Christ as recorded four times. Needless to say, studying such a collection is a life-long effort; however, for us, studying is only part of the Bible’s role.

     As suggested today in the progression of readings, the witness of prophecy (Acts) sealed the deal for Peter with Jesus as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53.  For us who did not witness the historical reality of Jesus’ presence in the Upper Room, however, our belief is aided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the other Paraclete, or advocate, sent to us that we might believe. Our faith is not something that originates solely within ourselves; it is a gift. It is this gift sent by Jesus from the Father that we realize most fully the deeper realities of Holy Scripture. Our understanding is more than intellectual, our understanding is complemented and guided by a profound connection to the Holy Trinity.

     The Holy Spirit is the spiritual link to the reality the disciples experienced in the Upper Room. It is through the Spirit that we experience the reality of Christ “in the breaking of the bread” at Eucharist, and it is in touching the very real wounds of humanity that we touch the wounds of Christ and are able to join Thomas in last week’s reading and declare “My Lord and my God.”