John said that the doors were locked where the disciples were because they were afraid of the Jews. Rightly so, the Jews had Jesus, their leader, unjustly condemned and crucified. It would just be a matter of time until the Jews came looking for his followers to give them a similar death. The disciples feared for their lives.
What are you afraid of?
Death?
Loss of Family?
Terminal Sickness?
Addiction?
Loss of employment?
Bugs, Snakes, Spiders?
Bills you can’t pay?
War?
High inflation on a fixed income?
What is the biggest fear for you?
The most repeated command in the Bible is “Do not be afraid.” But how can we not be afraid? With all the evil and hatred in the world and in social media, it’s impossible to live without fear.
However, the most repeated command in the Bible is “Do not be afraid.” The angels at the tomb said “Do not be afraid. When Jesus appeared after his Resurrection, Jesus would frequently start with “Do not be afraid.” and continue with “Peace be with you.”
All of Jesus’ comments after his Resurrection were words of comfort. When Jesus talked with Mary Magdala in the garden after his Resurrection, he said to go tell the disciples that I am going to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” Words of comfort and Hope.
The whole conversation on the Road to Emmaus was to comfort the two men who were so distraught about what had happened in Jerusalem, about Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
In today’s Gospel, we hear words of comfort from Jesus. Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
Peace.
Peace is very elusive. We hold Peace Negotiations to bring two nations together to talk and reach an agreement on terms for a cease fire and peace. We pray for peace in our world today as Russia invades Ukraine. We pray for peace in our families where fighting and bickering seems to be the norm. We pray for peace within our hearts to calm the constant tension we feel.
But “What is peace?” How do you define peace?
A walk in a park or woods?
A walk along a beach?
Playing with the grandchildren?
Singing in the shower?
Time spent in prayer and in Adoration of our Lord?
John tells us that after Jesus said, “Peace be with you.”, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.” Jesus repeated it! Our “Peace” was so important to Jesus that he repeated it!
During the Eucharist prayers, the priest says, “Peace be with you.” All the people reply with “And with your Spirit.” The deacon then encourages the people to share a sign of Christ’s peace with each other.
Everyone wants to be happy. We try to find that happiness in many different ways. Some try to find it in drugs, alcohol, pornography, and even in abusive behavior to make one feel stronger and superior to others. Others try to find it by climbing the ladder of success where others at work or even at church will admire and praise them for their success.
When we are unable to find happiness, some people take it out on everyone around them. Some are abusive to their spouse or family, others are critical of everyone, others resent the happiness of those who have become successful. Unfortunately, regardless of how we try to find happiness, we still fail to find peace without Christ in our lives. How will the world learn how to obtain this peace?
In today’s Gospel, after Jesus said ”Peace be with you.” the second time, he continued, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit.” We too receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism. This is the peace, the happiness that the world seeks but is unable to find.
The world is so hungry for happiness and peace but how will they find it? Who will tell them?
The answer is at the end of Matthew’s Gospel where we read “The eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had ordered them. When they saw him, they worshiped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus commanded the eleven to share that peace with others. That command has been handed down over the millennia to us today. We find the peace that Jesus promised in the Sacraments of the Church. A week ago, we as the community of Christ here at St Joseph Church, shared the Sacraments with 31 new members. Peace be with you.
The central theme during the Easter Season is “Do not be afraid”, “Peace be with you”. We have Hope because of Christ’s Resurrection from the dead. We only find happiness, real peace when we follow Jesus and share him with others.
What can we do to find this peace? We study the scriptures to learn how to live better lives and grow closer to God. We spent a few more minutes in prayer each day seeking God’s help and mercy to serve him with all our strength, with all our heart and all our soul. We spend a few minutes in quiet time listening for God’ guidance to heal our broken spirits and guide us to his peace.
It requires effort to grow closer to God. Are we willing to put forth the effort required to open our hearts to his peace?
It must be important because Jesus said it twice in today’s Gospel. Jesus is here at the altar in our midst today saying
“Peace be with you.”
