Peace be with you.

Fear. Disappointment. Surprise. Shock. Joy. Worry. Hope. These are just a few of the emotions that the disciples of Jesus experienced in the days following Holy Thursday. It was a time of chaos. Jesus, was arrested, beaten, and put to death. Then He disappeared from the tomb. Soon there were accounts of Jesus appearing to His believers. What would be next?

This is where today’s gospel picks up the story. Overwhelmed disciples were meeting in a locked room when Jesus—in the flesh— appeared to them. The first thing Jesus does is calm the chaos. “Peace be with you.” With those gentle words, Jesus quiets the noise in the room. He repeats the phrase and stills the turmoil and confusion in their hearts. His presence confirms the truth of the Resurrection. The disciples accept the peace of Jesus and are renewed.

We often live in a state of chaos. Busy schedules, worries about finances, concerns for elderly parents, and work deadlines are just a few of the things we may be coping with daily. Jesus can quiet the confusion in our midst. He is present in the locked spaces of our hearts. By remembering His gentle greeting, “Peace be with you”, we can be strengthened for the challenges ahead.