John 20:19-21 NRSVue
19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
Unity is not easy. It is not just similarity. Unity doesn’t mean we all
pretend all is well. It’s living with, accepting, even enjoying
differences. Some differences are too much for friendship or family but we
can still value the other and not fight. The past does not disappear. As
unity demands tolerance, at times it will demand forgiveness and a wish for
healing and freedom. At other times if we are to get along side by side it
means reconciliation, and a new relationship. The Spirit in each of us can
help unity. Pray for someone you are at odds with - believe that he or she
has the Spirit of God like you. It helps! This is some of the Spirit of
Pentecost.
Reflection
A great gift of the risen Lord is the forgiveness of our sins. The claim that
he could forgive sins was one of the reasons he was brought to death, for
only God could forgive. Forgiveness is given day by day in various ways.
Through the community of his followers in the church we are given the
forgiveness of our sins. We need this gift and the grace of knowing that God
is always the God of another chance, never remembering our sins forever.
Reflection
Jesus repeats his greeting, 'Peace be with you.' As Jesus wishes the same
blessing for me I consider what might come between me and the blessing Jesus
offers.
Reflection
Fear caused the disciples to lock the doors. This security did not, however,
bring them peace. Closing people out leads them to be seen as a threat and
seems at odds with Jesus’ way