Peace to You

   “Jesus himself stood among them and said, ‘Peace to you.’  But they were startled and frightened, and supposed they saw a spirit.”  (Luke 24: 36 – 37)

   Jesus brings peace.  He brought peace and understanding to the disciples on the road to Emmaus (see Luke 24: 13 – 34).  He had explained the prophesies to them, and they had recognized Him in the breaking of the bread.  They had returned to Jerusalem to tell the others of their experience but still they were uncertain, afraid.  When the Lord appeared to them they thought they were seeing a spirit rather than the risen Lord.

   We too, often find it difficult to recognize our Lord.  We find it easy to see Him in the beauty of the world; in the joy of a baby’s birth; in the happiness of marriage and love between husband and wife.  But we struggle to find Him and accept His peace in the ugliness of the world.  The starvation and disease; the senseless loss of life.

   When tragedy strikes us we, like the apostles, sometimes want to hide in fear.  We want to lock ourselves away in an effort to shut out the world that has so hurt us.  Even family and friends are at times pushed away in our effort to simply forget.

   At some point we must realize that denial and hiding away is not the answer.  We need the peace and love of the Lord if we are to ever recover from great loss and sorrow.  The family and friends we pushed away can help if we will let them in and accept their love and help.  But above all, we need to seek the peace Jesus promises.  Only through His love and strength is healing possible.

Lord, you promised peace to those who believe.

We turn to you in heartache and sorrow.

Grant us Your peace.

Give us the comfort of Your love and healing.

Amen