Peace be with You; John's Pentecost

Homily Easter 2 Yr. B 2012

This story of the risen Jesus coming among his fearful disciples in the closed upper room is about more than convincing his most trusted followers he is risen.

This Gospel text is often called John’s Pentecost, because in the Gospel of John there is no depiction of the events of the Day of Pentecost when the disciples were heard in many languages after receiving the gift of the spirit in tongues like fire.

Instead in John’s Gospel we have this more gentle and intimate gift of the Holy Spirit when Jesus breathes on the disciples, asking them to receive the spirit and the power to forgive sins.

The disciples are now witnesses of the Risen Christ. And we as Christians are to follow in their path, to be Christ’s witnesses in the world.

God’s mission never ends. The mission to love, save and bless the world is never over.

The peace Jesus offers is not just for the disciples at this time of trial for them, it is for all of us who follow Jesus. That’s why those words-- “Peace be with you”—are part of every worship service in some shape or form.

The new life Jesus offers is available to all who believe, whether among the first witnesses to the Risen Christ, to Thomas, who missed that day, and needed to touch the wounds of Jesus, to Paul who finally saw the light of Jesus on the road to Damascus, and to all of the followers of Jesus since that time.

We are a Eucharistic community. We share Christ’s body and blood. Our Christian faith is a very earthy, material one which we are reminded of in our worship as we eat the bread and drink the wine, and raise our voices in praise and worship.

Jesus who appeared to the disciples that day was in a transformed body, but he was certainly not a ghost or apparition or he would not have been able to have Thomas touch his wounds from the cross.

Many things have changed in recent years, but the central truth of our faith remains the same. We are all witness of the Risen Lord, in water and word, in bread and wine.

Our faith is not a private matter, but something to be shared with others in community, and for the world to see and hear.

Jesus is Risen, He is Risen indeed. Alleluia.