Peace be with You

The passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ remains the source of identity and strength for every Christian.  The wounds of Jesus do not reveal shame as much as they reveal the redemptive power of His suffering.  Now a lot has been written on the wounds of Jesus by mystics and theologians alike.  Jesus plainly told the apostles that he would have to suffer, die, and rise, so as to complete his mission.  The wounded-ness of Christ directs our thoughts and meditations towards the great and self-less love of God the Father and also the Body of Christ here on earth that suffers.

The apostles are gathered together, frightened and anxious, not having any sense of direction.  Fear, grief, and anxiety will do that to us.  The peace that Jesus offers is not an absence of hostility, but rather an inner calm that offers strength and courage even in the midst of adversity.  We can recognize that in the martyrs and holy men and women, and even the apostles after the Pentecost.

The apostles experience of the risen Christ fills them with joy.  Like the women at the tomb they too must tell their companion Thomas.  Thomas though is still trapped at the tomb, hobbled by fear.  What we have seen throughout the sacred scriptures, healing and reconciliation cannot take place where there is a lack of peace.  When we begin to recognize the wounds, and through an experience of Christ come to know peace, we can begin the healing and forgiveness that is afforded us through the Paschal Mystery.  But we can be like Thomas and take a long while to accept the power and grace of Jesus into our lives.

From the Beatitudes, to the life of Francis of Assisi, Rerum Novarum, all the way to the John Paul's challenge of the Culture of Life, the Church, the people of God, are sent forth to be peacemakers.  Encouraged by the love and mercy of God the Father, through the Son, we carry out the mission of reconciliation to all peoples everywhere.  Just as Jesus proclaimed good news, we share the Gospel message with one another.

It is comfortable in that room behind a locked door.  But this is not how Jesus expects us to live.  We are challenged to disengage from fear and anxiety and seek the peace and forgiveness only Jesus can offer.  Then we can be better able to lift each other up.