Listen

It was still the first day of the week. That evening, while the disciples were behind closed doors because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. When the disciples saw the Lord, they were filled with joy. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you don’t forgive them, they aren’t forgiven.”

John 20:19-23

Think

Before they could express any remorse, he simply said to them, “Peace be with you.” In John 20:19-23, the Lord spreading peace is an expression of unconditional love for us and his disciples. We are called on to show the same unmerited forgiveness in our own lives. Acknowledge what was done and be “at peace” with it. Only when we believe ourselves to be forgiven, can we do the same to others.

Can you think of a time when you had an issue with someone and you knew that you had to find peace with it and forgive them? I always think back to this verse when I have something on my mind that has been bugging me, and I reread it. The disciples were made happy because of something the Lord said after they sat terrified of the Jewish authorities, hiding in a locked-up room. So too should there always be peace in the world because Jesus has done his best to knock out our fear and put some peace and forgiveness in us.

Krissy Alleyne

Pray

Creator God, who empowers us in faith, be with us as we gather in a community of joy, comfort, and hope. Be with us as we celebrate our Regreso A Casa to a New Age of Faith. Let your spirit move through us to broaden our minds and open our hearts to one another. Send us from this place with your strength and courage to show the world your truth and accessibility so we may know our own dignity and belovedness. All this we ask through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Collect for #EYE23

Go

“We have to be braver than we think we can be, because God is constantly calling us to be more than we are.” (Madeleine L’Engle)

Breathe in: God calls me by name
Breath out: I am never alone

adapted from @blackliturgies on Instagram
by Cole Arthur Riley

Go forth choosing courage, finding ways to live out the values of love in how you interact with yourself, your family, your school, and your community. And in your going, remember: perhaps you were made for such a time as this.