Wednesday Devotion: Peace Be With You

John 20:19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”

The throng in St. Peter's Square eagerly awaited the appearance of the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. When the pope finally appeared and waved to the crowd, he shared a message that originally came from Christ: "Peace be with all of you."

It seemed like the right thing to say to a hurting, fearful world.

Jesus knew his disciples were hurting and fearful when he first appeared to them after the resurrection. They were sorrowful at the surprising turn of events that led to Jesus's crucifixion. The disciples had barred the doors, concerned about their safety, wondering how and when they could escape Jerusalem.

So, the resurrected Christ started the conversation with a blessing of peace. The kind of peace only God can give. Peace that reigns in the heart regardless of circumstance. Peace that emanates outward from its possessor.

Pope Leo's blessing wasn't just for the Vatican City crowd. It wasn't just for Catholics. We could all use more peace in our hearts. We are hurting. We are fearful. We need to possess more of the Spirit fruit of peace.

Fruit follows blossoms. Today, let us allow the Holy Spirit to plant peace in us. Let us pray for the promising blossoms that lead to full ripening into peace that sustains us against all circumstances.

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