While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, "Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts?
This story from today's Gospel repeats itself daily I think. Peace is in our midst. God's love is present. We experience goodness and light and compassion. And yet ...
Like the disciples we are startled and terrified. We can't believe let alone trust the promise, and so rather than take the risk we resort to what we know ... troubled hearts filled with questions. Which leads somehow in most cases to our reality where pain and suffering and distrust are easier to believe than the promise of peace.
But Jesus is patient, inviting our startled and doubting selves again and again into his promise of peace. But we must respond. We must take risks, that first step. And the next. And the next.
Where can you believe in the promise of peace in your own life today? No matter how startled you are, remember the words of Jesus : "Peace be with you."
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