Peace Be With You

It was close to midnight, when the still-wet-behind-the-ears, 25 year old Pastor, was called to the manor.  Jeannine was dying.  Jeannine, a woman in her early 60s, who, over the years had lost her physical self – including her voice—to MS.  Jeannine was about to die. Her family, three grown children, lost and scared and sad --- and relieved; hope-filled for her.

The pastor arrived at the manor, scared; not knowing what might be needed or expected, the pastor was armed with a prayer book, communion, anointing oil, and belief that death is not the end. Trembling the pastor took a deep breathe, knocked lightly on the door, and walked across its threshold. In silence, with a gentle nod, to the family members the pastor went to Jeannine’s side a touched her hand. The family paused and breathed; relaxed a little ...the walking in of the pastor, the pastor’s acceptance of death, the assurance of hope, all conveyed in the silence…this was Jesus saying: Peace be with you.

As the night wore on, for the most part, the family locked themselves in the room.  They shared memories, said to their mom their “I’m sorry-ies,” “thank yous,” “I love yous.”  The family joined hands around Jeannine, offering her permission to die and prayers of safe passage.  This was Jesus saying to Jeannine: Peace be with you.

When Jeannine died, the family, the wet-behind-the-ear pastor, were no longer scared.  The room filled with a glow, time momentarily stood still, and in the next breath the room was washed in a gush of feeling that settled in the hearts of those present: peace be with you.

 Last Sunday the first resurrection story we heard, was of the women, who had gone to the tomb to anoint Jesus with spices. The stone was rolled away from the entrance.  There was a young man there who told them to not be afraid, to go tell the disciples Jesus had risen and that Jesus would meet them in Galilee.  The women left terrified and amazed.  They said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.

Today, the second resurrection story we hear, has the disciples behind locked doors because they are afraid. Afraid of what has happened, afraid for their lives, afraid because of the chaos on the street, the disagreement among the religious leaders, and the political unrest. The disciples have heard the women’s story and hope that their words are true.  To varying degrees, they believe that Jesus is alive. And yet, wonder, are anxious, about what comes next.  They are afraid to move, but, can not stay behind closed doors forever.   And into this fear, anxiety, hope, and tenuous belief, Jesus becomes present and says: Peace be with you.

On Easter we heard the words: do not be afraid, the most repeated phrase in scripture.

Easter two, we hear the words: peace be with you.

In both circumstances, the words are spoken to people who are afraid, scared, confused, anxious.  The speaking of the words doesn’t change the circumstances at all: Jesus still died. Jesus is not in the tomb. The political and religious leaders are fighting.  There is chaos in the streets. The people spoken to, are still full of questions and have no idea what will happen next.  The words have changed none of these things.

The words are the sort that penetrate to a deeper level --- past the suffering, they settle inside the fear and anxiety to dispel it; to cradle the broken heart and comfort the aching spirit. The words don’t change the circumstance, the words change the very fabric of the person facing the challenges the circumstance presents.

There are a number of cultures in the world who greet each other by offering God’s peace between the parties.

Jews greet each other: Shalom Aleichem.  Aleichem shalom. Peace unto you.  Unto you Peace.

According to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, it takes two people to make peace. No two peoples’ opinions are the same, so the greeting is said in two ways.  The first person states a desire to create peace, while the responder agrees to wanting unity.  This is the greatest blessing two people can share, making their desire for peace and unity in the public realm. When sharing “shalom,” it is not their peace, rather, it is God’s peace and the hope of the fulfilment of the promises of the covenant. In a similar manner in Moslem culture the greeting and response is a passing of Allah’s peace: As-salāmu ʿalaykum.  Alaykum as-salam. Peace be upon you. Upon you peace.

On Sunday mornings we share Christ’s peace. Peace be with you. And also with you.

These words are more than a simple “hello.” These words are a greeting that is meant as a blessing.

When I extend myself to say peace be with you, I am drawing into the depths of my being, from a place where at one time my aching spirit has been comforted, at another time my broken heart cradled, and yet another time when anxiety was dispelled.  It is a place from where I dare to hope, a place from where my belief comes.  For me to say to you, peace be with you, the Spirit moves through me to resurrect the risen Jesus who appeared to the frightened disciples two millennium ago. The words don’t change the circumstance, the words change the person within the circumstance.

Some of you who have recently lived through crisis or difficult circumstances, or those who follow me through different social media platforms, will know that these words – Jesus’ words- peace be with you --- have become my go to blessing. Every time I say them, I mean them.  These words are not empty words.  I pass on the greatest gift I have to offer, my most precious treasure; A risen Christ.

Yesterday, as I shared peace be with you  - in words and hugs, with the individuals of a grieving family, I was surprised when one responded and also with you. The words are not said seeking a response…but, the response penetrated through me. In the moment, my spirit hungrily received those words, and I was changed.  The words settled into my grief, dispelled any remnants of doubt I might have had, and captured the essence of why I was present in that room in the first place – to be a tangible witness of Jesus’ presence. The sharing of the blessing, created fullness and wholeness of Spirit.  For a moment doubt was swallowed up in faith, and death was enveloped by life.

As I reflect on the story of the fearful disciples, and particularly on Thomas – who doubted, who was sceptical, for a moment- I can not help but notice that those with whom I have the privilege to walk are fearful and doubt from time to time; I have doubt and am afraid more than I care to admit; the world is one circumstance after another that seems to breed fear, doubt, and anxiety.

Circumstances do not change...

But, Easter has given the community the words to counter our reactions and the reactions of others to the circumstances that are. Here we practice sharing Christ’s peace with each other, to resurrect Christ, so that Christ and Christ’s peace can be shared in the world.

There have been those who eloquently speak with voices that sound like the voice of God:

Protestant Reformer Martin Luther taught, For by grace we have been saved through faith.  And through these words Jesus said, Peace be with you.

Martin Luther King Jr. shouted, I have a dream…   And Jesus said, Peace be with you.

Mother Theresa pleaded, Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do, but how much love we put in the action that we do. And in that Jesus said, Peace be with you.

Nelson Mandela proclaimed, I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.  And Jesus said to the people, Peace be with you.

Outside of a written down sermon, I am not so well worded. To have the right thing to say at the right time, especially if it is a time that involves fear, chaos, anxiety, or doubt, is a gift.  Thanks be to God, Easter two gives us words, the Word, to speak into the darkness of the day. Peace be with you.

And the response, and also with you, to buoy up the other, to dispel doubt and fear, to complete the circle, to fully resurrect Christ and bring wholeness to that which is broken.

Practice using these powerful words, this Word, over and over. Resurrect Christ at every opportunity.  

Peace be with you/and also with you. Amen.