John 20:19-31

Easter 2 - Year B

John 20:19-31

It was evening (dark) and the doors were locked (cold stone closed) for fear (death) was present.

These times come to everyone. Usually it is not physical tombs that we are in, but emotional, psychological, societal, or other binds that reduce us to fearful reactions. Fear is more prevalent than death.

Into these times a word of “Peace” is needed to be heard. It may come in any number of forms that shine a light on our current reality and future possibilities. “Wholeness” is reminder that is constantly slipping away from us.

When peace and wholeness are clearly in front of us, we can catch another glimpse of an important purpose of common-good. We have a mission larger than ourselves, larger than our fear. It will allow us to face both life and a consequence of death.

These easter moments of peace and wholeness fit the stereotype of a Holy Spirit at work. But, whatever language, sacred or not, is put on these experiences, we find those moments put down a fulcrum point of peace and we can begin to lever against fear. We put our hand to the plow, so to speak, or into a past wound - keeping it alive in our mind and working to see it is not repeated.

Yes, this episode was repeated, sign after sign, for it is such a difficult one to grasp. As soon as we think we have it corralled, fear breaks out again. Was it that Jesus did many different signs or simply variations on this one? As Jesus was visited in the tomb, so a Spirit of Peace, of Jesus, visits us in our fears that we might have life, abundantly, peacefully, wholly.