‘…Peace be with you!’ (John 20:19-23)
From John 20:19-23 (Year A: Pentecost
Sunday)
In this passage three ideas
appear in quick succession: Fear, Peace, Sending-out.
Fear is present all
throughout the time from Easter to Pentecost as the disciples huddle together –
unsure, fearful of forces outside or fearful of what is to come. Immediately and everywhere peace is the first
and final gift of the risen Lord who stands in our midst among us. Sending out
is the pressing task entrusted to the disciples. And to us today….
Battered, bruised,
unsure, anxious – we are called out of those places of comfort and refuge. Being sent out full of the Holy Spirit is not
a facile evangelism characterised by emotionalism, preachiness and
self-righteousness. It is about a quiet, strong, determined heart to bear
witness to a treasure that is within each of us and is calling us out.
‘Send us out in the
power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory’
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