Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
If you read the last two chapters of the Gospel of John you will see a pattern. They begin with the resurrection story. Early in the morning, Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb. She tells the disciples and Peter and another disciple run to see if it is true. Yes, the tomb is empty. Jesus is gone.
Next you read three stories of Jesus appearing to various disciples. The first Mary Magdalene. She is still in the garden, near the tomb, and is weeping. When Jesus says her name she recognizes him. She tells the other disciples that she has seen the Lord.
In the evening of that same day many of the disciples were gathered in the Upper Room. They are frightened. Will they suffer the same fate as Jesus - arrest, a trial, and crucifixion? But Jesus appears and blesses them with these words, “Peace be with you.” Jesus is alive; there is no reason to fear. A week later, the same thing happens but now Thomas is in the room and he experiences the same thing as his fellow disciples - an opportunity to see the risen Jesus and hear the blessing, “Peace be with you.”
The final story takes place by the Sea of Galilee. A few of the disciples, uncertain of what to do next, decide to go fishing. This was their occupation before three years of following Jesus. They are returning to what is familiar, something they know how to do. Once again, Jesus appears.
There is a comforting message to us in these stories. Jesus appears right where the disciples are. Jesus seeks them out in the ordinary places of their lives. We have the same assurance. Jesus is with you wherever you are.
Are you enjoying a day at the park? Jesus is there. Are you on your tractor or in the barn? Jesus is there. Are you headed off to college, or a new job, or moving to another town? Jesus is with you and will go with you. Are you still living at home but your children have moved? Jesus is with you in your loneliness. Has your child, or your spouse, or another special person died? Jesus is with you in your grief. No matter where we are or where we go, Jesus has promised to be with us and always brings the message, “Peace be with you.”
Pastor Eunice
