As Easter Continues – A Reflection

In our  Bible studies at LABC this spring we are examining the relationship of the Bible to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). This week we looked at biblical teachings connected to Article 3 of the declaration, an article which states, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the security of person.” One of the biblical passages we read in relationship to this article was John 10: 7-10. This text ends with the words of Jesus, “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”
The hope of abundant life is an Easter hope, a resurrection promise. This hope has some application to the life which is to come but its most direct application is to the here and now. It is in the here and now that we receive Jesus’ teaching. It is in the here and now that we meet the risen Christ. It is in the here and now that we make the connection between Jesus’ promise of abundant life and the universal human yearning for life, liberty and security of person.
It is our faith that the resurrection takes shape in human history. It  is our commitment to see it take shape as we share life with the downtrodden, as we declare that liberty is a universal human right and as we insist that it is not only we, but others, who have the right to live securely.
Jim H.