Daily Devotional for March 26

 

March 26                                                         John 20:19-23

    Shalom! The Holy Spirit is Peace!

In today's Scripture, Jesus says, "Peace be with you... receive
the Holy Spirit."

Someone has said that in order for people to be at peace they
need someone to love, something to do, and something to look
forward to. Jesus employs that very formula in these verses.
First, the disciples showed that they loved Christ: "The
disciples were glad when they saw the Lord."  Secondly, Christ
gave them something to do: "As God has sent me, even so
I send you."  And lastly, Christ gave them something to look
forward to: "Jesus breathed on them, and said to them,
'Receive the Holy Spirit.' " Christ gave them the formula for
peace even within the inner turmoil that they were experi-
encing because of their fear of the religious authorities who
were seeking their lives and, supposedly, the body of Jesus.

We, too, can experience the peace that Jesus gives. Even in
the midst of storms, we can experience that peace. The
"storms" in our lives may arise from inner turmoil or outer
stress. They may occur within ourselves or they may involve
others. But Christ enters our lives, just as with the disciples,
and says, "Shalom! Peace be with you!" Christ promises peace,
not as the world gives peace, but the peace that passes all
understanding.

      Gentle Shepherd, give me peace in the middle of
  the storms of my anxiety. Give me the peace of loving
   you, of doing your mission, and of looking forward to
                           your rewards. Amen.

​

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.1989