2023 National Study Day reflection
While looking though the photos taken, I remember it was again a lovely day. We could even relocate the second half of the reading into the sunny backyard at Kathleen and Trevor’s home in Sydney.
Pre, Marianne, Jim and Rita made the journey dawn from Newcastle and Paul, Rex and Christine all came down from the Central Coast. The Sydneysiders were Trevor, Kathleen and Daniel.
We read Paper 192—Appearances in Galilee which struck such a personal chord with us where we could very much imagine having been there as part of the scene. What a touching event – breakfast by the sea, the story with the full net of fish, the intimate conversation with the risen master – just as they had done many times before.
Some things of course remain a mystery – how did the morontia form of Jesus digest the fresh bread and fish that morning? And we are told that for each appearance, Jesus was further away from being a mortal and further drawn into the morontia spheres; whoever fashioned his visible form found it more of a challenge each time.
But just imagine the mental and emotional state of the apostles. Meeting at the familiar seaside made this even more significant and impressive to these still rattled ambassadors of the kingdom. That event would have stayed extra vivid in their memory, bringing up a few enlightening moments in the years to come. Just think of the fish and bread symbols the Christian church used in those first years. What an apt description of them as fishers of men – and when the nets are empty, to seek and listen to the advice of Jesus!
Jesus chose two of the apostles at the time to join him for a stroll along the beach. He posed a very deep and personal question to Peter, and even repeated it a few times. His parting words to each of them was an ‘individually tailored’ admonition. Surely these words were burned into their minds and were meant to be with them to remind them of their mission in their struggles ahead.
We too are asked these questions from him: do you believe, do you love me, do you serve me, do you trust and obey me? These are all questions to bear in mind when we’re ‘out in the world’ and when attempting to ‘talk ‘bout a Revelation’ to our fellow humans – a theme we are about to discuss and work through at the next conference in August.
As always, we were amazed – as were his contemporaries – how Jesus always hit the right note with each of those he encountered – whether it be in happy or challenging situations, he knew just what to say to them personally to help lead them God ward. This is something, I’m sure, we strive to get better at – to have that method of communication at the ready, and to have the sensitivity for imparting insights that are instilled in us, that can truly make an impact on those we encounter, and for those we feel have a ‘need’ to hear truth-insights. There is lots to consider in the way we build relationships for such undertakings.
Then revisiting the place of their ordination was another ‘stroke of genius’ and must have been such a moving moment for them all as they were kneeling around him in a circle when Jesus
“…now prayed, …and it was in tones of majesty and with words of power such as the apostles had never before heard.” “And these eleven men never forgot this experience of the morontia rededication to the former pledges of ambassadorship.”192:3.2 (2050)
This must have been quite intense and overwhelming for them. And something that was intended to stay with them throughout. And to think that so much had happened to their unsuspecting lives some three years ago. A whirlwind indeed.
While sitting together and reading that paper, another mystery made us wonder. The word Appearances in itself is quite a statement. First to his friends in his home country of Galilee. What sort of feelings did that bring up for the God Man himself. And then a day later, in the middle of the afternoon….
‘…at three o’clock, more than five hundred believers from the environs of Capernaum assembled at Bethsaida to hear Peter preach his first public sermon since the resurrection. The apostle was at his best, and after he had finished his appealing discourse, few of his hearers doubted that the Master had risen from the dead.”
And then for all to see, Jesus appeared with these words
“…speaking to them in familiar accents, saying, ‘Peace be upon you, and my peace I leave with you.’” 192:4.2 – 3 (2050.5)
Which one of us has not wished, at one time or another, to have been there amongst the crowd, or at another event where ‘such a supernatural encounter’ was witnessed – where we could SEE Jesus as he is. Just as well The Urantia Book mentions something about Agondonters, making it a bit easier for us to be patient!
And so, with that familiar greeting of the Master, wishing us peace, we concluded this day and went on our various ways. What a lovely ritual these study days are. I’m hoping all readers in Australia and New Zealand may sometime be able to participate in that event in their region.