The resurrected Christ showed up in the midst of some of the disciples and we are told ‘they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing a spirit” (Luke 24:36-37). The emotions didn’t last too long, however, and they found themselves hearing Jesus say to them, “Peace be to you” (Luke 24:36). Also, apparently, Jesus knew they would need some evidence that it was He, so He invited them to see His hands and feet, to touch Him so that they would see “a spirit does not have flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39-40). The reality of the living Christ would become more and more real to them over the next several days and weeks, and by the time Pentecost came, they were convinced Jesus was alive.
How does one live in light of the resurrection of Jesus? That Jesus is alive changes everything. Maundy Thursday leaves us confused. Good Friday leaves us stunned and grieving. Holy Saturday leaves us sad, bewildered, and frustrated. Then Sunday comes and Jesus breaks into our lives, proving that He is alive, comforting us with the powerful, hopeful and recreating words, “Peace be to you” (Luke 24:36).
Can the Peace of Christ have meaning in the world of our day? It is a very troubled and troubling world, and the thought of peace can seem very far away from the trenches in which we live our lives. Still, peace is the promise of Jesus. He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:27). The peace of Jesus is an inward reality that governs the lives of believers. Peace may or may not come in the world but it can come within the human heart. Truthfully, it is the human heart that most needs the peace of the resurrected Jesus. If the inner heart is one of peace then the outward expressions of that inner heart will be peace.
Truthfully, too, it is not peace we so much need. It is the One who brings peace we most need. When He is present the atmosphere of our lives is brought to life. When He is present the power of love fills the room. When He is present Life takes over. When He is present death is redefined, conquered, and put in its place. When He is present the final word of our lives will not be death. The final word will be Life, eternal Life. When Jesus is present we are able to give our lives to Him so that in Him our hearts are not troubled, and fear is jettisoned from us. In Christ Jesus we can 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.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
(St. Francis of Assisi)
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