"Peace be with you" (Jn. 20:19-31). These four words, "Peace be with you," are words we need echoing in our world during this pandemic. Or perhaps better, we need to place these words on our windows. So, when neighbors walk by, they will see this powerful greeting. Remember, Jesus spoke these words to the disciples. Locked in the upper room, the disciples found comfort in Jesus' words, "Peace be with you." Here today, locked in our homes because of COVID 19, these words are imperative. Folks all over the world are seeking peace while quarantined in their homes. Certain words like, "Peace be with you," can bring comfort just like they did to the disciples in our gospel today. My prayer today is that we greet everyone with these words, "Peace be with you." This peace that Jesus is offering is unlike what the world gives, which is giving out stimulus checks that we will move us into a new tax bracket next year. These checks will bring temporary relief. Jesus' greeting, however, resides inwardly forever. It's that comfort that Isaiah spoke about saying that God will keep us in perfect peace when our minds stay on him "Is. 26:3." In closing, prayerfully consider these words by St. Paul, "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the God of peace will be with you" (Phil. 4:6-9). Author: Michael P. Howard, M.A. Contact
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