Open the Door

     “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, Peace be with you.” When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (Jn. 20 vs. 19-23).


     Filled with fear for their lives, the disciples hid, locked away. Most of them had been in hiding since the horrible events of Thursday evening had taken place, while others joined them later. Their Master had been betrayed, scourged and crucified. Most of them felt ashamed of the way they acted during Christ’s passion. They were confused, perplexed and heavy hearted.

     But Jesus, because His tremendous love for His disciples, breaks through their darkness and fear as He stood before them. Wanting to dispel the shame from their hearts, He offers them peace! Peace – to the spineless deserters who had earlier sworn to stand by Him, come what may. How very much Jesus loved them!  The tender look that He showered upon them lifted their hearts.

     The disciples are overwhelmed by the love of Christ and His attitude toward them. With the exception of John, they all deserted Him in His greatest hour of need. They can’t believe their eyes and ears. He is there before them offering forgiveness, even as they stare at the wounds from His crucifixion! Love Incarnate bursting upon them fills them to capacity!

      Jesus then commissions them to be ambassadors to carry out the mission that was given to Him by His Father. What confidence He shows them. While at the same time, knowing the weakness of human nature, He institutes the Sacrament of Reconciliation, by breathing His Holy Spirit upon them. He gives them the great power to forgive sins. A power reserved for God, now given to His priests, who will act in His Person.

     What joy and peace must have filled the apostle’s minds and hearts! By showering them with His love and forgiveness, Jesus not only restores them completely to Himself, but gives them the authority to act in His name. Our God is a tremendous Lover!

     We too can act like the disciples when we turn our backs on God and refuse to listen to Him. Our tendency is to run and hide from Him. We feel disappointed with our weaknesses, thinking we should have overcome them.

     We can also flee from God when we are full of anxiety or fear, when life’s disappointments overwhelm us.  At times we want to give up; sometimes we do. We want to retreat and not move forward. We don’t want to stay in the present or move to the future. We don’t want to leave the “safe haven” where we've hidden and keep the door tightly bolted. Posted on the door is a sign which reads: STAY OUT!

     Jesus wants to bring us His peace. “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (Jn. 14 vs. 27).

     Like the apostles, Christ has a mission for each one of us to fulfill. He stands at the door to our heart waiting to enter with His peace, love and mercy. Open the door. Let Him enter with all the gifts He wants to pour into your heart! Feel the love and peace as it flows within you. Take a deep breath and relax in His Being. Acknowledge Him. Thank Him. Praise Him. Love Him.

     Say yes to Christ’s requests. Rejoicing will follow.