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According to the Gospels, after Jesus rose from the dead, the first thing He said when He appeared to the Apostles was, “Peace be with you.” Why were these the first words? What did He mean by this? Was He just trying to say, “Do not be afraid, everything is okay now”? What exactly is this peace Jesus is talking about? Jesus’ words of peace are no mere greeting or wish. Jesus doesn’t wish peace, He gives it. Peace, according to the dictionary, means completeness, wholeness, health, peace, welfare, safety, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony, the absence of agitation or discord. It comes from a Hebrew root verb meaning to be complete, perfect, and full. So it is a kind of fullness of life that comes from God which is offered by Jesus. The peace He gives is the peace of God, which St Paul says “passes all understanding” and “will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). |
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This Easter Season, and beyond, let us open our hearts to the peace Jesus brings. In doing so, we will find completeness. We will enter into the rich abundance of divine grace and mercy. We will be filled with true, authentic, and lasting joy! Let us trust that the peace of the Risen Lord will make all things new! Alleluia!
Peace be with you!
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Sister Lisa MaurerSister Lisa Maurer was born and raised in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Before entering the Monastery, she taught and coached in Catholic Schools within the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Lisa made her first Monastic Profession in August 2009 and on July 11, 2012, she made her Perpetual Profession. Her first ministry was working at the parishes of St. Lawrence and St. Joseph in Duluth. Currently she is the Mission Integration Manager of the Benedictine Health System. See all of Sister Lisa’s posts. |