Monday, April 6, 2026

Scripture

“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace, be with you.’” John 20:19

Reflections

They were afraid.  They locked themselves behind closed doors.

Fear can do horrible things to us.  Fear can cause us to isolate ourselves.  Fear can cause us to shut off others.  Fear can cause us to stop thinking rationally.  Fear can cripple us.

Were the disciples unreasonably afraid?  Not really.  The people had just crucified Jesus.  His ardent followers could be next in line.  Yet, within a very short period of time, those disciples boldly went out among the crowds proclaiming Jesus.  It was as if they had no fear at all.

When God is at the center of what we are doing, fear is diminished.  We know that no matter what happens to us, we are in God’s hands.  After all, Jesus was no stranger to hardship.  He endured the suffering and shame of the cross.  But the cross was not the final word.  He has been raised from the dead.  A better day comes.

Jesus has an amazing ability to break into the middle of our fear and bring us his peace.  He can even show up when the door is locked.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I am a weak human prone to fear.  Thank you for breaking into my world.  I invite you to make yourself known to me even when I’ve locked myself in.  Send your Spirit so that You might be at the center of what I’m doing this day.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: John 20:19-31