FROM THE PASTOR

Peace Be With You

Alleluia, Christ is Risen ! 

Last week we gathered for a triumphal celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. This week we hear more about the hours following Mary’s discovery of the empty tomb. Jesus comes to the disciples who are still hiding offering Christ’s peace as he breathed upon them. I wonder what that tomb breath may have smelled like but the scriptures do tell us what it felt like – the ultimate sense of peace. 

Thomas, who was not with the other disciples, was frustrated not to be in the presence of the Lord when he first appeared to the disciples. He too wanted this gift of peace.  A need for peace is something we can all relate to. If you open the headlines you can easily find a need for peace. We continue to pray for peace in Ukraine and all areas ravaged by war. We pray for peace in our governing bodies so that they are able to work together in respectful ways. We pray for peace in our society as we are still struggling with racial tension and inequalities. We pray for peace for those hearts stricken by addiction. We pray for peace for those whose hearts grieve. We pray for peace, we pray for calm, we pray for hope, we pray … for the breath of the risen Lord to come upon us so that we too may receive the holy spirit’s gift of peace that surpasses all understanding.

Peace be with you.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!