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An Easter message from Bishop John |
Bishop's Easter message 2003Conspiracy Theory!'People don't believe, even if it's true.'
Last week two Jordanian men were heard on radio discussing the fall of Baghdad. Despite seeing pictures of US troops in the Iraqi capital on an Arabic language television broadcast, and Iraqis pulling down a statue of Saddam Hussein, one man was denying the truth of the images. 'No, no. It is not happening. I do not believe this. It is not true.' The ever pervasive and persuasive conspiracy theory is not far from explanations of events both large and small. 'The tomb of Jesus is empty', was a huge statement that quickly had powerful people inventing a conspiracy theory to hide its truth: 'You soldiers are to say, 'Jesus' disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.' (Matthew 28:13) Conspiracy theories were to abound: maybe someone stole the body; perhaps Jesus was only unconscious and woke up; what if Jesus never really existed?! But despite this misinformation claims were being made by ordinary citizens of Jesus' rising from the dead. Some people doubted and we can hear familiar words ringing in our ears, 'No, no. It is not happening. I do not believe this. It is not true.' Thomas, one of Jesus' closest followers, was initially one such voice. The other disciples told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger into his side, I will not believe it.' A week later Jesus came and said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Stop doubting and believe.' Thomas responded to Jesus, 'My Lord and my God!' What does it take for us to believe? An experience of God? Reading of Jesus? Hearing of him? Seeing a film of his extraordinary life and even more extraordinary death? Hearing of his empty tomb and resurrection appearances? Indeed, could the Jesus story be true? Jesus said to Thomas, 'Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.' Jesus' resurrection was either the ultimate conspiracy, or the simple, straightforward offer of new life for our needy world. This Easter, may you believe and be counted among the Blessed of Jesus.
Bishop John Harrower
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