After the awful reality of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, last Sunday brought the remarkable and happiest of times in our faith…the Resurrection of our Lord! After Mary Magdalene and the disciples run to the tomb and see the linen cloths and no body, they know what has happened. They should be celebrating and rejoicing at this sight but instead are scared and huddle behind locked doors.
What are they afraid of? The Jewish leaders who were behind the idea to kill Jesus? Afraid for their own lives and uncertainty? Could they be afraid of Jesus himself? After all, they did desert and deny him.
But then Jesus enters the locked room with the greeting, “Peace be with you.” But not until He shows them His hands and His side do they rejoice.
Do we ever have doubts and fears? The disciples had these and probably confusion too. Possibly even after they had seen the risen Christ, they needed reassurance. We all gather at Easter Mass and sing Alleluia and rejoice together! We are so happy the sadness of Good Friday is over. But then fear and anxiety can get in the way of all that happiness. It can get in the way of our mission for which Jesus has called us. But Jesus cannot be stopped by locked doors. Just like He did with the first disciples, He comes and brings peace right when we need it the most…during our fears, pain, doubt and confusion. And He keeps showing up, week after week giving us gifts of life and peace.