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.”
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.
A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”
John 20:19, 21-22, 26
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Peace be with you.
What a powerful greeting, Lord.
That was the first word I heard You said when You appear before us, Your disciples. We have been hiding behind locked doors so afraid of the others, the rumors, the unknown.
Your first gift to us?
“Peace.”
Fear vanished. Rejoice! My heart skips with delight. You are alive!
We celebrate Your presence, once again You offer Your sacred gift,
“Peace.”
What more could we ever ask for?
Peace transforms all.
But You have one more surprise.
“Receive the Holy Spirit.”
I close my eyes and feel your warm breath tenderly upon my face.
My powerless melts away. My body fills with strength and resolve. Love destroys my fear.
We hear Your one word gift at least once more when You return for Thomas.
You aren’t angry. You understand his doubt. You embrace him and softly say,
“Peace.”
Peace breaks down the locked doors of fearful hearts.
Peace defeats doubts and empowers forgiveness of others, of ourselves.
Peace.
Your holy presence in one word.
One word that changed our lives forever.
Peace.
I really liked that painting too. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Virginia.
Thank you for “passing the peace.” The Caravaggio
painting of Jesus and his disciples is on our church bulleting all through the Eastertide season.
Virginia at http://virginiaknowles.blogspot.com
Thank you for “passing the peace.” The Caravaggio painting of Jesus and his disciples is on our church bulletin for the Eastertide season.
Thanks for your kind words, Lisa. You lift my spirit today. I think it is great you have a group to share this with. Makes this practice intentionally for you.
Sometimes those one word prayers are the best ones.
I always enjoy reading your Lectio Divina meditations. This is beautiful on peace. I go to my monthly meeting tonight to do Lectio with others. I’m so grateful for it because I don’t do it often enough on my own.
Beautiful. I will be breathing in peace all day. God bless.
Oh, that beautiful, restful peace! Couldn’t live without it. Except when I sometimes unknowingly try! {sigh} Thank you, sweet Jean!