April 18, 2020
John 20:19-25 … “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.’” vs. 19
The words of this verse seem eerily appropriate for many of us as we continue in this uncertain state we’ve come to call “social-distancing.” Because of fear we’ve isolated ourselves as best we can, maybe not locking our doors, but certainly keeping them closed to the threat of contagion. It’s a natural reaction when we’re afraid; we flee from that which threatens us, and the safest place is most often at home. And there we’ve discovered just like the disciples did, that even locked doors can’t keep Jesus out! He came to them in their fear and offered them peace, not the absence of conflict, but the sweet contentment that comes from our connection with the Divine Presence. It’s been strange to worship alone these last weeks. Typically Lent and Easter have provided rich opportunities to sing praises to God and hear well-practiced choirs at their best. This year it’s been different. At best we’ve been watching our preachers and musicians on small screens while missing the blessings of Holy Communion. But Jesus has not been absent! He’s come to us where we are offering peace and hope and he’ll keep on coming until the crisis is over and we can rejoin our faith communities. After all, he is the Prince of Peace!
Thought for the Day: What have I missed most while staying at home?
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