Easter Surprises

The liturgies of this first week in the octave of Easter offer us a variety of stories of Jesus' post resurrection appearances. He's just popping up everywhere, through doors, on the shore, in the garden...in his resurrected body, no one recognizes him at first glance and he has to calm them down, offering both his peace and his Holy Spirit.

What are we to make of this today, in a time when everything in our lives is just a little bit 'off'? Our lives are so very different from one month ago, and we are still trying to adjust to whatever this new normal is, wondering if this is what life will continue to be like moving forward from here? Doesn't this sound like where the disciples might have found themselves after Jesus' death, and then hearing rumors of his resurrection? What is going on? What is real? How will this change how we live our lives going forward? What are we supposed to be doing? Yup, we have a lot in common with those first disciples I think!

Reality check: Jesus is still appearing to us today, if we but have the eyes and hearts to see him in our present reality! His presence is easily seen in all those persons who are seen as first responders and essential workers today. I have nothing but profound appreciation for the folks who work in grocery stores, putting themselves in harm's way so I can put food on my table. I'm trying to be extra kind at the checkout counter. Jesus is present to us in the kindness of others. Who shows you the face of Jesus during these stress filled days? For whom are we the face of Jesus?

Jesus keeps trying to 'explain Scripture' to them as well as teaching them about offering forgiveness and offering them peace.

We certainly could use these days to pray and learn a bit more about scripture. Can we find time to do this on our own or with others? (check out the Small Christian Community offering for Easter Faith Sharing on Facebook/Zoom on April 22!)
Peace and forgiveness seem to go hand in hand don't they?  Our hearts are never really peaceful if we are at odds with a sister or brother. During these days when we are confined with family, when stresses arise, it makes more sense to figure out how to address our conflicts gently and compassionately rather than let frustrations build up to the point where we either blow up or have an ulcer. But that is surely not easy to do, and for many of us, not our usual behavior. Most of us I think, prefer to avoid conflict as long as humanly possible. Jesus offers us peace and his Spirit of wisdom, wisdom to know when to speak and when to hold my peace. (or in my case, hold my tongue!)

Can you hear Jesus offer you his Spirit and his gift of Peace this week? Where will Jesus show himself to you today? Where will you show Jesus to someone else this week? Peace be with each of us today and always.