The second Sunday of Easter, we see the disciples behind locked doors, afraid and lost, in short, overwhelmed by what has happened to the one to whom they gave the last three years of their lives, seeing miraculous healings, mercy, kindness and love, and defiance of the entrenched religious institutions of the day, followed by his humiliating and violent death by crucifixion, as if he were a common criminal. And then Jesus appears to them. They were afraid even then. Why? Were they afraid because they abandoned him, and what he might say, or do to them? How does the presence of Jesus help the overwhelmed disciples, and us? Jesus didn't just give us peace for ourselves as individuals, for our own internal self fulfillment or self-satisfaction. He sends us out, as his Father sent him to us. To do what? See The Rev. Kate Matthews' "Love is a Response to Grace."
And what about Thomas, called the twin, or Doubting Thomas? We don't give Thomas enough credit. He is the only one bold enough to be out from behind the locked doors, to ask questions, and to seek truth, no matter where it takes him.
Jesus greets and gives his disciples with the Peace which only he can give, the Holy Spirit to inspire and counsel us, and the will and power to deal with all that overwhelms us, especially in the times in which we live. The great power of release in forgiveness can free us to act, unfettered from chains of fear, doubt, addiction, and whatever causes us to be broken and unreconciled to God and each other.
How do we keep from being overwhelmed, and bring peace, love and reconciliation into a world of violence, greed, hunger and suffering? Read Sister Kym Harris' "Exposition," and "Reflection."
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