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| Jogging at MSF |
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, "Peace be with
you."
When he had said this, he showed them his handsand his side .
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.
When he had said this, he showed them his hands
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you.
Shalom, Jesus said to his disciples, a greeting with which Jews still bless one another. Shalom is more than a friendly wish. It is Presence, weighty and solid, which one carries within herself. Like fire it may be given to another without loss. During the Easter Vigil, as several hundred candles are lit from the paschal candle, we see how Shalom can be given to everyone – if it begins with Jesus.
Shalom is God’s presence abiding within oneself. It is a “peace the world cannot give,” because the only peace the world understands is the absence of war. Many families and businesses suppose a day without quarreling is a peaceful day. But their peace may be only a ceasefire in a troubled community. But, on the other hand, their quarreling may be the necessary challenges which typify every healthy community of people. The peace this world gives doesn’t offer even a starting point for understanding Shalom.
To reveal more fully his Shalom Jesus “showed them his hands and his side” and then breathed on them. But hold on a second! Aren’t we talking about a man who has been two days dead? Aren’t his gore-encrusted wounds appalling; and his breath, isn’t it the putrescence of an unburied cadaver?
As sickening as those sensations might be, so are the Lord’s wounds more beautiful and his breath more delightful. Very often we can imagine the infinite beauty of grace only by invoking its opposites. If you would know your Lord and Savior listen to those who mocked him, crowned him with thorns and crucified him. Where else could you find Jesus except in the center of that senseless rabble? His throne is a cross; his attendants are thieves; his raiment is his naked helplessness. If you would know God’s Shalom gaze upon his wounds.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.