While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
(Luke 24.36
NRSV)
In the frenzied jubilation following the final gun, TV cameras zeroed in on various players, including one of Penn State's All-American linebackers. He credited Penn State's hard-hitting defensive backs with the victory. "[Miami's] receivers just didn't want to catch the ball," he said. "They heard footsteps all night long, and they just didn't want to get hit."
After Jesus death on the cross, I guess we could say the disciples were hearing footsteps like that. They were very frightened. But suddenly, out of nowhere, Jesus appeared in their midst. He showed them his hands and his feet and greeted them with familiar words, "Peace be with you." Their response was probably not peaceful at all. No one was supposed to know where they are hiding. How did Jesus find them? How did he enter without using the door? The disciples were anxious, afraid, and uncertain of what would happen next. Yet here was the Master right in their midst. And alive! Slowly they began to calm down -- and then to rejoice.
There’s a lot of rejoicing when Jesus enters our lives.
Dear Jesus, come and bring me peace. Amen.
Ron Newhouse