Peace to You!

Many people love making the peace sign as a greeting. In reality, simply using the phrase "peace to you" conveys a huge message. The peace as part of the liturgy in church goes back to the early church. In fact, St. Paul began almost all of his letters in the canon with the phrase “Grace to you and peace...." Using peace as a greeting is a huge deal, if you ask me. The Western Church just celebrated Easter this past Sunday, and the Eastern Church celebrates it this coming Sunday. One of the first things Jesus said to the disciples after his resurrection was actually the phrase “Peace to you." My point in saying all this is that we need to keep on saying it until the whole world says it together and means it. When this act becomes a reality in words, it will quite possibly also become a reality in the lives of all human beings.

Since it is Easter, I wanted to share a reading from the Gospel of Luke in which Jesus appears to the disciples after the resurrection. The reading is found in Luke 24:36-53, and is in quotes below:

"[36] As they were saying this, Jesus himself stood among them.

[37] But they were startled and frightened, and supposed that they saw a spirit.

[38] And he said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do questionings rise in your hearts?

[39] See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have."

[41] And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?"

[42] They gave him a piece of broiled fish,

[43] and he took it and ate before them.

[44] Then he said to them, "These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled."

[45] Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures,

[46] and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,

[47] and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

[48] You are witnesses of these things.

[49] And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city, until you are clothed with power from on high."

[50] Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

[51] While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven.

[52] And they returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

[53] and were continually in the temple blessing God (RSV Bible)."

I hope everyone enjoyed reading this portion of the Scriptures. Happy Easter and blessings! Peace to you!

Reference:

Bible, Revised Standard Version