Once again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you.” Again, he is reassuring his disciples and trying to put their minds at ease. Jesus is also about to say something important, and so granting the disciples peace could also be to prepare them for what he is about to say.
Peace is a sought-after state, and people everywhere search for it. In
war-torn countries and places of unrest, innocent civilians cry out for peace. For the more fortunate, a holiday or retreat allows a break from the busy frenzy and a little peace. But this is a worldly and false sense of peace, which differs from the peace that Jesus offers.
God’s peace is permanent and grounded in Scripture, secure despite circumstances. Through reconciliation with God in Jesus, we experience eternal peace. Jesus
calls us to find peace in him and gives this peace freely.
In his times of rest, Jesus would pray and receive peace from the Father. He was revitalised and could go back to his mission and ministry.
Where do you find peace? Reflect on those times you have felt the peace of God at work.
Reflections by Gillian Hugo
