Peace be with you....

John 20:21 “Peace be with you….as the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (NAB) Heavenly Father, Peace be with you”….beautiful words of hope and promise! This was a standard greeting of the time, but when Jesus appeared in the midst of disciples on Easter it took on new meaning. After greeting them, he showed them his hands and side, giving them great joy in recognition of the truth of his resurrection. Then he repeats this greeting….”Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” The resurrection has changed things. Jesus’ presence with them is true peace…the peace of a resurrected Lord, who has bought our peace by removing our punishment for sin and righting our relationship with our Father. His presence in that room “is” peace. Peace through resurrection and reconciliation and righteousness. The words “be” and “I am” are full of meaning when used by Christ. He is, he was, he will be! He embodies all of you, all of your presence, all of your peace. As you sent him, he now sends us. What does this mean? You sent him to save the world…can we save the world? Only Christ’s blood can save, but we become instruments that help spread his peace and bring others into your presence. Right after saying this, Christ breathes the Holy Spirit on his disciples. Our sending must be accompanied by his Holy Spirit, who produces his peace within us. The Holy Spirit is our evidence of Christ’s resurrection power and is our guide and teacher as we go forth. Peace is fruit of the Holy Spirit. To be peacemakers in this world we must have his peace within us to share. We don’t give away this peace, we envelope others into it with us. Peace and unity go hand in hand. As Christ is in us, we flow into others in an abiding loving relationship joined with you, our Father. All one…that is true peace! All joined in Jesus Christ. Jesus’ peace will “be” with us at all times. Thank you. Amen.