Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again,
“Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (JN 20:19-21)
How are you being sent forth in the mission and spirit of Easter?
“Many scripture scholars point out the similarities between Jesus’ discourse during his last meal with the disciples and what is known as a farewell discourse. A farewell discourse is a literary form in which a person of prominence says good-bye to his followers.
As is true in all farewell discourses, the focus changes from the leader to those to whom the leader is passing on his mission. For Jesus’ disciples to continue his work faithfully they will have to believe in his divinity, that is, in his relationship with his Father, as well as in the content of his message: “… the words you gave to me I have given to them, and they accepted them and truly understood that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. The disciples must hear and understand Jesus’ words in order to carry on his mission.” Sr. Mary M. McGlone CSJ
As we move toward Pentecost, I wonder if the miracle of the resurrection might be wearing off for us bit? Are we losing our spirt of renewal? Recognizing resurrection is an ongoing and challenging process for us. It requires reflection on our experiences, patience, and attentiveness to the ordinary relationships of everyday life. Like the disciples, we can feel stuck behind locked doors. But, if we say that we believe, and we understand, then we are on the hook to move out into action, that is our Easter mission. Pentecost and the approaching feast days we will soon celebrate, will help us to calibrate with our personal gifts and mission. How has the resurrection changed you? What new doors can faith and trust open for you in this season?
