04/08/2024
April 7, 2024
Second Sunday of Easter
John 20:19-31
21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the
Father has sent me, so I send you.”
“Peace be with you.” Tensions were high when Jesus appeared to
the disciples. Here was a group who had left behind their
livelihoods to follow this Rabbi. And suddenly he was gone. Now
what? The ache of grief and loss, the shock of what had transpired
in recent days, the confusion and chaos of what might happen
next, and the fear of being discovered by the Jewish leaders all
hung in the air simultaneously. And now the news that Jesus is
alive threatens to splinter the fragile group.
“Peace be with you.” Jesus understood the heightened emotions
that swirled about that day. So he came with his “peace.” When the
Son of the living God says, “Peace be with you,” Peace. Is. With.
You! He does not speak empty words. Everything Jesus says is full
of intentionality and power. He then says, “As the father has sent
me, so I am sending you.” Jesus sends them full of peace, to carry
peace, and to bestow peace.
Jesus knows all you encounter today: the testing anxiety, the tense
conversation, the less-than-ideal home life, the doubt or lack of
self worth, the myriad boulders that students and teachers alike
pack with them in their “backpacks” for the day. So Jesus comes
with his peace. And he sends you, full of peace, to carry peace, and
to bestow it upon students, colleagues, and families alike. He has
given you the Holy Spirit as your guide.
Reflect: Who in your path may need the blessing of Jesus’ peace
today?
Pray: Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is
hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there
is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is
darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Amen. (Prayer of St.
Francis)
Annie Duarte, Scottsdale, AZ, serving as a preschool and Sunday
school teacher at New Covenant Lutheran Church and School.
