By Keith Swartzendruber, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Convening Tables, National Council of Churches
When Jesus first revealed himself to the disciples after his resurrection, his first words were “peace be with you”. This simple greeting covered all the emotions the disciples were feeling at that time: grief, pain, joy, anger, fear, and others. Jesus speaks these words to us as well during this emotional time.
When we are grieving, Jesus grieves with us:
peace be with you,
When we are joyous, Jesus celebrates with us:
peace be with you,
When we are in pain, Jesus hurts with us:
peace be with you,
WHEN WE ARE ANGRY, JESUS RAGES WITH US:
PEACE BE WITH YOU!
when we are scared, Jesus hides with us:
peace be with you,
When we are at peace, Jesus is at peace with us:
peace be with you.