Each week as we continue on our Easter journey the scripture readings reveal more of the struggles the disciples had, trying to make sense of Christ’s Passion, death and Resurrection.

  I can’t help but wonder how would we have felt, how would we have reacted if we were in their shoes? Luckily for you and I, through the scriptures we have been given, we have the ability to know and hopefully understand the entire story.

  The apostles struggled with fear and grief over Christ's crucifixion wondering if they would be next; wondering if the Resurrection was real even though they had heard accounts from Mary Magdalen, and the apostles on the road to Emmaus. We continue to hear how Christ appeared to them despite locked doors and He greets them with “peace be with you.” Throughout the apostles’ journey, Christ made Himself known to them.

  Christ also makes Himself known to us through the scriptures and in the breaking of the bread in the Eucharist. While we live in a sometimes out of balance world; a world filled with poverty, war, civil unrest, senseless killing, suffering, pain and discontentment, yet we can be a hope-filled people because Christ died, rose from the dead and has given us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help guide us through all of the turmoil in our lives.

  Just as the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to proclaim the Gospel message and assisted them to accept the sacrifices they had to make in their lives; that same Holy Spirit is with us each and every day to assist us through the trials of our daily lives.

  This week, let us pray that the Holy Spirit will open our minds and our hearts to be the prophetic witness of Jesus Christ in our world. In this way, may you experience “Christ’s peace with you.”

  Deacon Larry Boehnlein