On the evening of the First Easter, the disciples were holed up in a locked room, frightened by the authorities, paralyzed by grief, and utterly perplexed by Mary Magdalene’s wild tale that their crucified Friend had somehow come back to life. No one in that room was prepared for what happened next. In all of the history of the world, there has never been a more dramatic entrance than when Jesus appeared in the midst of the disciples and said, “Peace be with you.”
Jesus did not come empty-handed to his frightened disciples. The Risen Lord came bearing gifts.
First, he brought them the gift of his living and eternal presence. The disciples thought they had seen the last of their beloved Jesus when he was laid in the tomb. But even death cannot separate Christ from those who love him. Who or what can separate us from the loving presence of Christ at our side? False friends? Depression or grief? Financial setbacks? Troubles at work or at home or trouble within? Sickness or danger or anxiety? If even death cannot keep Christ from our side, then what is there in the world that can separate us from the companionship of Jesus?
The second gift Jesus brought to the disciples was peace. Does this mean a trouble-free existence? Far from it. According to tradition, most of the disciples in the room would eventually die for the sake of their Lord. They would carry his message to the ends of the known world. They would suffer the hazards of travel. Fortunately, they would be spared the horrors of airport luggage screening. They would, however, be killed in terrible ways.
And then there is the one last gift mentioned in the Resurrection story in today’s scripture. In a sense, this gift encompasses all the others. Jesus breathed on his disciples and gifted them with the Holy Spirit of God. The Spirit helps us catch our second wind in this hectic world. The Spirit gives us fresh air when we feel we’re going down for the third time. The Spirit pumps us up when life has sucked us empty. The Spirit revives and renews us when our own energy and strength have run out.
All these gifts Jesus brought to the overjoyed disciples. And what Jesus gave his followers more than twenty-one centuries ago, he still gives to his followers today: his loving presence, his peace, and his Holy Spirit… the gifts that keep on giving. Christ has given us wonderful gifts, and the measure of how well we use these treasures is how generously we share them.
God bless! Have a wonderful week!