Peace Be with You

Fr Jude Ekeshiri CSSp

The Easter experience is indeed a joyous one and it is a message of peace and love. Christ Rose from the dead and continues to reveal Himself to His Apostles so that, they do not weep but rejoice through the victory of the cross.

Thus, in today’s Gospel, we witness a profound and joyful moment of revelation and peace. The disciples, overwhelmed by fear and confusion after the events of Good Friday, gather and share an extraordinary encounter: “The Lord has truly risen and has appeared to Simon!” (Luke 24:34).

Their hearts burn with the fire of faith as Jesus Himself appears among them, offering peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The gospel passage invites us to reflect deeply on the resurrection experience, not just as a historic event, but as a living reality that could transforms our lives. The risen Christ greets His disciples with the words, “Peace be with you.” This is not an ordinary peace, but a peace that conquers fear, doubt, and death itself.

However, Jesus shows His Apostles, His hands and feet when He appeared before them. He showed them the marks of His passion and suffering. Why did He do that? He offered them peace by showing His hands to reassure them that it is truly Himself, the one who was crucified and has risen in glory. He did not erase His suffering; instead, His wounds become signs of victory and love. However, let us realise that, our pains and struggles, can likewise become places where Christ’s resurrection power could shine in us.

Moreover, Jesus opens their minds to understand the Scriptures, revealing that His passion, death, and resurrection were foretold by the prophets. This reminds us that God’s plan is always one of hope, even when we cannot see it clearly at the moment. Trusting in God’s word gives us courage to live in the light of the resurrection.

Finally, Jesus commissions His disciples to be witnesses and to preach repentance and forgiveness of sins to all nations. This mission continues in the Church today and in our own lives. We must know that, the Easter season is not a conclusion, but a beginning of a new way of living, empowered by the resurrected Lord.

May we open our hearts to recognize Christ’s presence among us, even when we do not expect His presence but with faith we trust that His peace will continue to be with us. Peace be with you