Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.
Their Master was sentenced to death and crucified a few days before. The disciples of Jesus must have been so confused, lost as to what they would do from then on. Jesus was the most unpopular person in those few days, especially among the Jews and the Jewish leaders. The disciples were afraid of them, who could be looking for them to condemn them. They could have gone into hiding individually, saving themselves and their families. Instead, they chose to gather together in one place. I wonder what they were talking about. Could they be pointing fingers at each other, for the way they abandoned Jesus at His moment of greatest need? Or could they be consoling, supporting, and encouraging one another? I am inclined to think the latter is true. Then, the Resurrected Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
In times of threat of death coming upon us, it always draws 2 possible responses. It either drives us to be selfishly protecting ourselves, pointing fingers at others and making others responsible for our suffering at the time. Or the threat of death would draw us together in mutual support, encouragement and expression of sacrificial love for one another.
The Covid-19 pandemic currently affecting the whole world, draws these 2 kinds of response as well. Among individuals, community or nations, it either divides humanity through selfish protectionism, finger-pointing or being irresponsible, refusing to take responsibility for our own decisions and behavior, or it draws us together, in mutual support, care and acts of sacrificial love for one another.
The disciples of Jesus when confronted with the threat of death, not just after the Crucifixion of Jesus, but down the history of the early Church, chose to gather together in love and support for each other. As a result, they encountered the presence of Jesus in their midst. Peace, was truly upon them when they saw the Resurrected Christ. It simply means that death has no power over their Lord and Master. Therefore, death is no longer a threat that causes paralyzing fear in their lives. That’s real peace!
We too, have a choice to make today. If humanity would gather together regardless of our differences, in love for one another and submission to God’s values and humble ourselves, it will draw us closer to God’s rescue. As Christians gather today, joining our hearts, minds, and souls, to celebrate and worship in spirit and in truth, this Jesus who has resurrected and is alive, it will attract the presence of Jesus, the Resurrected Prince of Peace. True peace will surely come among us!
May Resurrection Peace be with you. Blessed Resurrection Day!
- Worship the Resurrected Christ today. Thank Him for His saving grace and rejoice in the victory of the Cross
- Pray for the Church that we might bear effective witness of the power and love of the Resurrected Christ to the world.