By Canon Cate Edmonds
I have to admit to being a lover of a good “who done it”. I like nothing better after a long day than sitting down and watching one of the various detective series or a good thriller on the TV or, when I have time, delving into the pages of a fascinating mystery. I often wonder whether it is pure escapism or whether it satisfies my curious personality. I am not one of those people who first read the end of the book to find out “who did it”, I enjoy collecting the facts as I go along, letting the characters develop and waiting for the story to unfold and the final solution to appear through various and often intricate twists and turns.
Some of our Old Testament stories can at times seem like a thriller, with characters developing as the story progresses and intrigue abounds. Just think about the story of Saul, Jonathan and David, the story of Joseph and his brothers, Elijah and Jezabel, Samson and Delilah, and many more, often very violent, accounts, which can be as hard and even disturbing reading as any modern-day thriller.
The Gospels take a gentler approach, as reading through them we build up the character of Jesus. Intrigue and cruelty are never far away, and the end of Jesus’ earthly life couldn’t get more violent. But the message which we hopefully find as the story of Jesus’ life progresses is one of love, of generosity, and of selflessness. In the Gospel accounts we encounter many different characters, through parables, and stories within “the Story”. We meet a range of ordinary people, simple fishermen, blind beggars, leppers, outcast women, little children and many more, but there is gentleness and compassion which shines through. There is still mystery and, just as in any good thriller, there is debate in our minds as we read. But, for me, the unfolding story brings hope, love and a sense of peace.
I wonder which story in the Old Testament you may say is your favourite. It may be quite easy, as there are so many exciting episodes in the drama of the Old Testament. But what about the Gospels? You may be able to think of several that touch you. But I suspect that they speak to you in a different manner than the stories of the Old Testament. The accounts are just as challenging and even intriguing. In fact, I believe even more so than the those of the Old Testament. These accounts of Jesus’ activities, teaching, and particularly the parables speak directly to us in our lives today and are as relevant today as they were 2000 years ago, if we truly pay attention to them.
As we progress through the New Testament the Acts of the Apostles can be quite thrilling and then the Epistles can intrigue us and challenge us as well. Then we get to the Book of Revelation. Well, there is a challenge.
The escapism of a thriller to watch or read is just what it is, escapism – and even fun. The reading of the Gospels, in particular, can be a challenge but also an instruction for our daily lives.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15: 12