Peace be with you!

These are the words that Jesus speaks to the disciples on the evening of his resurrection. Both Luke and John record these words. I can easily imagine how important they were for those early disciples. Their world had been turned upside down with the crucifixion in death of their Lord and their friend.

But these words are just as important for us today. Wars and conflicts around the world. Political upheaval, polarization, and controversy. There are lots of ways in which our world gets turned upside down and we find ourselves unsettled, uncomfortable, disturbed, and frightened. All to hear Jesus say “Peace be with you” to us in our troubles.

And these words are important for our community to hear as well. You and I might be the ones called to speak these words. Perhaps to a neighbor or co-worker. Maybe to the clerk at the grocery store. Or even to someone in our own family.

As Easter people we can experience the peace that Jesus gives. This is a peace unlike the kind that the world has to offer: the absence of conflict. The peace that our Savior brings is his own presence.  Just as he was present to those who were gathered together in that upper room on that first Easter, Jesus offers to be with us in the midst of all that unsettles us.

Most holy God, the source of all good desires, all right judgments, and all just works: Give to us, your servants, that peace which the world cannot give, so that our minds may be fixed on the doing of your will, and that we, being delivered from the fear of all enemies, may live in peace and quietness; through the mercies of Christ Jesus our Savior. Amen.

Peace be with you,

Matthew+

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p.224)