Peace be with you

“It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid… Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As [Abba, God] sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  – John 20: 19-22

Peace be with you, my friends.  How are you doing right now?  For some of us it’s been 6 weeks since we started this social distancing and stay at home order. Maybe some of us even longer.  So, how are you?  Are you struggling?  Are you afraid?  Are you lonely?  I get it.

The disciples were afraid, they were struggling and hiding away on the very day Jesus came into their midst and offered them these words.  “Peace be with you.”  It’s okay to be feeling all of this – lonely, afraid, sad.  But hear these words, feel then deep in your bones.  “Peace be with you.”

Jesus is still offering us these words today. He wants us to feel his peace, to know his peace.  I know it’s hard right now.  There is so much unknown, so much information and misinformation.  It’s hard to even know what to listen to, what to think or even what is real!  But we know these words are true, they are real and they are just for YOU!  Peace be with you.

What can we do for one another to share this peace?  Sometimes sharing the peace can help us to feel it that much more.  It’s a little like love… “Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.”  So let’s find little ways this week to share the peace.  Maybe you call or text someone you know is alone, or someone you haven’t talked to in a while.  Maybe you put up hearts on a window for your neighbors to see.  What ideas do you have?  Share them with me!  Let’s share Christ’s peace this week.

Loving God,

This world is a scary place right now.  We are feel tired, lonely and afraid.  Thank you for your gift of peace of in the midst of it all.  Help us to find ways to share this peace with our family, friends, and neighbors.  Help us to feel your peace surrounding us always.  AMEN.