Shalom- Peace be with you.

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!”  After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”  And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

– John 20:19-22

In the midst of the confusion and uncertainty of Jesus’ death and stories of resurrection… Jesus shows up and promises peace upon his disciples.  The prophet Isaiah called him the “Prince of peace” and in this account of a resurrection appearance, Jesus shares the peace of God, peace which passes understanding, shalom to his friends.

In the midst of our own confusion, uncertainty, or fear, God shows up and gives us peace as well.  Sometimes we just need to ask.

How do we react when God doesn’t behave the way we had hoped and prayed?

Compassionate and Gentle God, you have created us in Love to be your people.  As we gather for worship, we are reminded that we have lost sight of this Gift and forgotten how to really love you. We have worshipped other gods, put our faith in the riches of this world, and impressed ourselves with misguided power. We have looked for help in the wrong places and ignored the extravagances you lay before us. Send your Spirit to come and breathe its life-sustaining and life-altering presence into us.  Amen.