Easter

“When they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them: ‘Peace be with you!’” (Luke 24:36)
 

The apostles were behind closed doors. They were talking among themselves about the resurrection of Jesus. At that moment, the Messiah appeared among them. The disciples were surprised, for the doors were locked. They had shut themselves in because of fear of the Jews. After the miracle of the resurrection, Jesus was among the disciples just as he had been before. His appearance caused astonishment among them. Jesus says to these faint-hearted disciples: “Peace be with you!” The disciples should have remembered what Jesus had said earlier. But the events of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday had shaken them. They should have remembered that by the shedding of his blood, Jesus washes away our sins and raises us to new life. Jesus brings faith and peace into the troubled hearts of the disciples.
 

The risen Jesus comes. He comes now at Easter and comes every day of the year. He is waiting for you to open your door and open your heart. What do we talk about at home with one another? Perhaps our hearts are filled with uncertainty, or perhaps with joy. Maybe we are also talking about Jesus, about Easter, about the celebration. Whatever we speak about, Jesus now enters your home and your heart as well. He is waiting not only for you to speak about him, but to believe in his words! How differently the days of the disciples would have passed if they had not forgotten Jesus’ promises in the midst of their troubles. How differently our everyday lives pass when we keep a kind word or promise of Jesus in our hearts. When they come to mind even behind closed doors. When we hear Jesus greeting us as well: “Peace be with you.” With this peace, may Jesus now bless our homes and sanctify our Easter celebration! Amen.
 

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, thank you that you sacrificed your innocent blood for us. Thank you that through your resurrection you conquered death and raise us to new life. Sanctify our Easter celebration, protect and bless our loved ones! Amen.