John 20:19-23 (NRSV)
Read John 20:19-23 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Verse 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Verse 21Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." Verse 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. Verse 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
Devotion
The words on the closed office door made me smile. The note read: "To Jesus Christ-walk right in. Everyone else, knock first, then open the door and enter."
The congregation told me that there was one part of the liturgy they never wanted me to forget, and that was the Sharing of the Peace. I did not forget! The people moved around the entire sanctuary, exchanging a sign of Christ's peace with one another.
When the hand of another is extended and the peace of the risen Christ is breathed, Jesus is standing in our midst. No wonder that there would be rejoicing when we see each other.
The disciples heard "peace be with you" twice from Jesus. You and I need to hear it from more than one person and on more than just Sunday. Open some doors today and greet someone with a sign of Christ's peace.
Prayer
O God, you are with me now in this place. May your peace and the power of the Holy Spirit strengthen me in my service to you and those you love. Amen.