READ: JOHN 20: 1-21
Again, he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (V. 21)
The first few hours of dawn, and Sunday mornings, were normally peaceful times for police officers. It offered the time to catch your breath after often hectic and volatile evenings and nights. A chance to observe the beauty of the dawn; to hear birds chirping; to enjoy a cup of coffee, and maybe a donut; and to try a put aside, if only for a moment, the events of the prior evening. Time to anticipate going home and hugging your spouse and kids and giving thought to all the good things life has brought your way. Time to decompress in the tranquil peace and quiet of a new day and thank God you were able to greet another sunrise! A tranquil time to recharge your physical, mental and spiritual batteries and prepare for the long shifts ahead that would define your career.
Easter Sunday morning was a tranquil moment in the history of our faith. The previous four days had been marked with brutality, disbelief, anxiety, dread and sorrow. Jesus was dead–verified by a spear thrust into his side as he hung lifelessly on the cross. His body was sealed in a tomb covered by an immense rock. His disciples and followers went into seclusion lest they be the next to suffer his fate. But as drawn began to break, Mary Magdalene made her way to the tomb to mourn and pray. Arriving she made a startling discovery; the tomb was empty! Filled with uncertainty she went and found Peter and John. John looked inside—yes, the tomb was empty. Brash Peter went inside and found the folded grave clothes but no sign of Jesus. The tranquility of the day had been broken. Where was Jesus? What had they done with his body? Slow down, don’t panic, didn’t Jesus and the Scriptures say he would rise from the dead? Doubt gave way to belief, but where was Jesus? Still here or with the Father? Time to go home and think this through.
Mary stayed by the tomb dismayed and weeping. Suddenly Jesus appeared and confirmed he had truly risen. He instructed her to give this glorious news to the disciples. Later Sunday evening Jesus appeared to them. His first words, “Peace be with you.” Words directly spoken to them that restored the serenity of the day. Words that bought calm and reassurance. Words followed by the giving of the Holy Spirit—they were not alone nor abandon. Tranquility restored. A time to reflect and prepare to set in motion the church of the living Jesus!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
When is your tranquil time with Jesus? How do you use this time to prepare for the future hours, day(s), weeks, months or years ahead?
Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of peace that flows directly from your resurrection, love and redeeming grace. Help me set aside some tranquil time to fully realize the impact of these gifts upon my life.