Peace Be With You

When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After this he said this, he showed them his hands and his side, Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained." John 20:19-23 (NRSV)

S. Thevanesan is from New York. Early in her childhood her mother introduced her to a fearless Jesus, who dared to care for others and to speak against evil, violence, and injustice. in today's reading from John, the risen Christ greeted the disciples and empowered them with his presence. He said to them, "Peace be with you!"

When Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, he taught us that only by working for justice in our communities and our world can conflict and discord be transformed into harmony. Jesus built bridges across racial divides and attempted to connect all people. He dreamed of forming one global family - the kingdom of God.

We need a deeper spirit of understanding among all persons if we are to demonstrate real and lasting peace. We establish peace on earth and goodwill to humankind by our acts of love. When we give what we can to those in need, we share the good news of the Prince of Peace with the world.

Prayer: Loving God, fill our hearts with peace, contentment, and courage as we work to build your kingdom, in Jesus' name. amen.