Dash of Thought April 2024

Easter Power of Peace
They had locked themselves in, the followers of Jesus, on that stirring Easter evening. The resurrected Jesus encountered a community of deeply insecure, even frightened men and women when he entered their midst, according to the evangelist John (John 20:19ff).
I understand that what had happened to Jesus on Good Friday had frightened the disciples and pulled the rug out from under their feet. It is understandable that they sought the protection and security of the familiar four walls and a locked door. Would we have reacted differently?
My thoughts go to the community of today's followers of Jesus. To us. At least in Europe, we can live our faith freely. And yet the Church is under pressure in many places. We realize that times have changed. It is becoming increasingly difficult to fulfill the mission that Jesus gave his Church with the familiar and proven forms of church. Creating offers for people and inviting them to attend often no longer works. Those invited do not come, the chairs remain unoccupied. This is unsettling, triggers existential fears - and harbors the danger of withdrawing in response and sticking to the familiar.
"Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so now I send you!" With these words, the resurrected Christ entered the room where his disciples had been hiding. This encounter was not without consequences. Filled with his peace and guided by the Holy Spirit, they learned to put aside their fear and go out to the nations as witnesses of Christ. Easter!
We also need God's peace, the peace that gives us the certainty that Christ is close to us, every day and in every place, come what may. And we also need God's spirit, which allows us to experience the encouraging and moving presence of Jesus. So that we open the doors, go out and leave the familiar terrain. So that we set out and take unknown paths with the people around us, trusting in the life-awakening and transforming power of God's peace.
I wish everyone the experience of this Easter power of peace that leads us to people!
 
Bishop Stefan Zürcher
 
 
Photo: Pixabay