Look again at the gospel for Divine Mercy Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter Season (Jn 20:19-31). Perhaps yesterday the focus was more directed to St. Peter's Square and the beatification of a Pope who touched the lives of so many people in so many different ways, a Pope who encouraged us time and again not to fear but to open our the doors of our hearts.
Look at the scene John recounts. Consider this observation: the opening scene may easily be understood as the experience of many people desiring to be what God wants of them. It is a genuine expression of the human condition that confronts so many: me? you? Don't many lock themselves in the room of fear? Are not hearts often times unable to see what and where peace is and how we to live with it? The disciples feared the Jewish authorities. Consider this: what each of us might fear is that Jesus will get into our my "inner sanctum,' that room that protects private thoughts, desires and, yes, even failures. Perhaps Jesus Jesus will use the same entry technique to gain access to our privacy if there is the slightest inkling that he will be allowed in. If we allow entrance - a power that God has entrusted to us - he might say the same words and they would challenge: "Peace be with you."
Before charging his followers he wishes to establish an atmosphere, a venue, that opens the heart. Simple and to the point: trust him, be at peace! If peace is not the mood or reality in the heart, how can his command ever be fulfilled? "As the Father has sent me, so I send you?" What? Send me? Come on, I'm not one with all the necessary training. Let's be real.
If we truly are willing to open our hearts to the Lord Jesus, only then will his peace be the wind that opens our sails so that we can go about our daily lives charged with the strength of the Holy Spirit just being the person that God wants of me and you.
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This evening I have started a five day walk with the Lord on a silent retreat with ten other priests. In your prayers, please say one Hail Mary and one Our Father --sounds like a penance, doesn't it? -- for us that each of us will not be afraid to open his heart to the Lord's seeking to lead us where the Father desires we walk.
