“Peace to you!”

When the Risen Jesus appeared to the apostles, He said to them three times: “Peace be with you!” In what situation did Jesus say these words? We read in the Gospel: “Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” (Jn 20:19) The Gospel continues: “When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!’” (v.20-21) On Sunday a week later, Jesus appeared to them the third time, and Thomas was with them: “And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’” (v.26)

Jesus often says to us too: “Peace be with you! Peace to you!” We have to open our hearts to receive His peace. Just think how restless your heart is… Why? Because you are not united to God. Because your faith is so weak. We have no union with Christ or with God’s word. He alone gives us true peace, as He says: “The peace I give you the world can never give.” (cf. Jn 14:27) And Jesus also says in another place: “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt 11:28) So the most important thing is to go to Jesus. As long as we are in ourselves, we cannot find peace. The slightest triviality or thought… and we are robbed of all peace. How? By focusing our spirit on a lie or half-truth which robs us of all truth. This is the reality: We believe lies and constantly doubt the truth.

Download: “Peace to you!”