This year April starts with the big days of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day fall on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th of April.
In John’s account of Easter Day (John, chapter 20) the risen Jesus shows himself first of all to Mary Magdelene. Then, in the evening, when the disciples are gathered together, Jesus comes and stands among them and says, “Peace be with you”. Later he repeats the greeting, “Peace be with you.” And a week later he repeats it again, “Peace be with you.”
This greeting, “Peace be with you” resonates so deeply. It is in sharp contrast to the horrors of Good Friday. It is in sharp contrast to the marks of the crucifixion which Jesus shows the disciples on his hands, feet and side. It contrasts with disciples’ fear of the Jews, which has caused them to lock all the doors.
But Jesus continues to greet us today, “Peace be with you.” And how desperately do we need that peace! How badly does the world need peace. We are living in a moment when the world order is breaking down. Respect for the sovereignty of nations is collapsing. Power and self-interest are replacing justice and truth, as the determinants of international relationships. The result is a loss of peace, and terrible damage to the economy, the environment, to people and peoples.
And yet Jesus speaks of peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14.27) Jesus says this shortly before he is crucified. Then he says, “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16.33)
How do we find this peace? It is clear that it is a peace in our hearts that comes from being “in Jesus”, in doing his will, in obeying his word, in our prayers, in our communion (shared life) with him. It does not depend on peace in the world, or good outcomes. It is closely related to our Christian hope that, even if we pass through terrible situations, we will, with Jesus, arrive at an Easter situation where sin and death are behind us and we have conquered the world.
I pray that we can do this as individuals and together. Come to church this Holy Week! Suffer with Jesus through Good Friday and come with him to the peace and joy of Easter. Best wishes for Easter – Canon Patrick