Beyond the Closed Door
My dear son,
May peace be with you. I want to offer you today the greeting the risen Jesus brought to the disciples behind closed doors. Open your heart within your Father's love and welcome the new day.
After offering peace, Jesus sent the disciples and gave them the Holy Spirit. Ask for the Spirit's help as you love, instead of depending only on your own strength. Share the peace you have received with someone you meet today.
Greet people kindly, listen to their words, and care for the place where you are. A life of being sent includes ordinary things. Carry the joy of the resurrection into sincere living close to home.
With all my love,
Your Father
John 20:19–22
WEB19When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle and said to them, “Peace be to you.”
20When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord.
21Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.”
22When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit!
A short reflection
The risen Jesus comes to the fearful disciples behind closed doors, offers peace, commissions them, and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit.
World English Bible (WEB) · Public DomainRead the chapter