“Peace be with you.” Really?
I think it is fair to say that peace is in short supply at the moment. We have several wars going on that are anything but cold. We have an atmosphere of divisive and antagonistic politics pervading virtually everything. So how do we deal with Jesus’ words, “Peace be with you”? He says this three times in our Gospel lesson (John 20:19-31).
First of all, he says it twice to a group of, no doubt, frightened and confused disciples. Then he says it to Thomas. Thomas is usually called Doubting Thomas but . . . wouldn’t you? And now the Christ is saying it to us. I hear those words, “peace be with you,” but I find myself answering “Really?” I want peace to be with me. I want to be one of those people who are unfazed by whatever comes across their path, but I’m not, so often, I answer the Risen Christ with a “Really?” that is either pitiable or derisive.
This week’s sermon is about peace being with us. It is directed primarily to the congregation of St. Mark’s which is on the move from our long-time building to another space but I hope it resonates in some way with you too.
I reference a particular Instagram post in the sermon. I hope this link will work for you because it is worth watching, even if the first few seconds may be a bit hard to take.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIvq1iXO4nh
Blessings,
