Have you followed the Artemis II mission over these past days? Artemis II is the spacecraft mission to circle the moon. The crew of three Americans and one Canadian has sent back remarkable photos of the Earth and the moon. Earlier astronauts, like Jim Lovell, describe the wonder of seeing the earth from space as expansive. Most astronauts say it brings tears to your eyes. The term “the overview effect” has come to describe the profound moment of seeing Earth from space for the few who are blessed with the experience.
In a week of continuing anxiety and complexity around the Iranian war, surging gas prices, and all that we might collectively put on a list of personal and collective challenges, the Artemis II mission provided perspective. Simply looking at the moon and Earth pictures from space invited a personal “overview effect” to settle in.
Perhaps the “overview effect” is what Thomas experiences when Jesus returned to the locked room. Jesus’ words of peace and deeply human and divine interaction brought humility and perspective. It is not clear in the Gospel lesson if Thomas does place his fingers in Jesus’ wounds. Thomas simply exclaims, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus’ relational and restorative love brings Thomas the “overview effect.” It is this bigger and more expansive vision we all need right now.
Thankfully, Jesus has risen from the dead and returns to you and me with the gift of faith, perspective, and expanded vision.
Yours in the name of the Risen Christ Jesus,
Pastor Peter