Peace be with You – Reflection on John 20:19-23
Pentecost – Day
There are introspections I witnessed that dramatically increased my awareness of Trinity’s influence. Physical ones include witnessing miles of metal shacks that whole families called homes, a harbor filled with marginalized boat people, deep mining cuts into the earth, and more. Each left behind a different kind of wound. The list of uncomfortable things continued to grow. My internal angst accumulated without my realizing it, prompting me to pray more. Among other subtle movements, I noticed a more peaceful internal shift towards vulnerability and empathy. For instance, at an evening meal at a L’Arche home, I was seated directly across from a large painting of Jesus with his disciples. With outstretched arms and piercing eyes, He looked right at me. Jesus’s words, “Peace be with you,” rose to the surface, and through the entire meal, I lost my desire to speak. The Holy Spirit was present as I joyfully joined others at the table who, through disabilities, could not talk. This experience is often recalled when I walk deep within the silence of forests. The silent breath and voice of the Holy Spirit allowed me to reflect and welcome Jesus, raising my consciousness beyond where I had been. Jesus’ gift of awareness of the Father’s and Jesus’ love, made possible through the Holy Spirit working within us, can help us carry Jesus’ peace, love, and hope into our pain and the pain of others.
The Appearance of Christ at the Cenacle by James Tissot.
Additional details are available at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Eastertide Reflections
John 20:19:23 Scripture*
Jesus Appears to the Disciples
19 When 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.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on John 20:19-23 Reflection – Peace be with you.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that is within you? Are you willing to remain anonymous when sharing what you would like to share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love, despite the distractions of the world.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible John 20 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website adheres to the guidelines for image use established by the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Peace be with you
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.