Peace to You (Thursday, Easter Octave, 2021)

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The first few words that we utter when we want to talk to someone or some people matter a lot. Such words can put people off; put them at ease or make them anxious about what will come next. In fact, the first few words set the stage for an encounter. When a situation is bad, it is wise to use words that heal, not words that will make the situation worse. Some words can induce fear; some can inject faith. A wise person chooses his or her words considering the situation on ground.


*mBefore Jesus’ encounter with his disciples, I am sure the disciples might have battled with guilt (for abandoning their master). They might have battled with fear (fear of the Jews). They might have battled with a lot of things. The atmosphere must have been tensed. But when Jesus appeared to them, He did not make the situation. Rather, He spoke words of peace: “Peace to you” (cf. Luke 24:35-48).


No condemning words proceeded from the mouth of the Risen Lord: His words were soothing and comforting. Those few words of peace must have calmed the situation to a greater degree. Instead of injecting more fear, Jesus injected faith by the way He addressed them. Not only was their faith revived by those words of peace, I am sure they must have been filled with joy as well. Not only were they filled with joy, they must have been filled with fresh zeal and courage. As we see in Acts 3:11-26, we may ask: Why was Peter filled with so much courage as he addressed the people? Not only was he filled with the Holy Spirit, His encounter with the Risen Lord must have filled him with peace, joy and courage to bear lasting witness to Him.


The greatest enemy of faith is fear. It is a very dangerous virus that strikes at the base of our faith. Before Jesus appeared to His disciples after the resurrection, they grappled with the reality of fear. But when He appeared, He spoke words of peace which injected fresh hope, faith, joy, courage and zeal into them. They were no longer afraid to speak about Jesus publicly. In our own time, we can feel the emasculating presence of fear in and around us. But if we allow Jesus’ words of peace to flood our hearts, we would learn to LIVE BEYOND FEAR and begin to BEAR LASTING WITNESS to Jesus.


Prayer:

Lord Jesus, fill my heart with your peace; increase my faith that I may keep moving, Amen!


Have a blessed day!



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