Reverend Beyler told us yesterday that Jesus’ disciples were together with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders after his crucifixion, as many times as I have read the scriptural reference regarding the locked doors Judy’s clear explanation of how afraid the disciples were resonated with me for the first time. She likened their feelings a bit to how we feel today. We are afraid. We are surrounded by concerns and dangers and potential threats. We are a little housebound. Of course, we are not far removed from Our Pandemic and the fear of encountering another human.

Hope happens when we are with others. Fear subsides in the smiling faces of friends and loved ones. Peace is prolific in the shared experiences of our fellow travelers. It has been said that we are a generation that lives more in our heads than any other. The social experiences of many of us are engaging with our many screens. Direct human-to-human conversation can help to ameliorate the dark thoughts that have developed through loneliness and lack of input from others.

‘Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, ‘Peace to you.’ Then he showed them his hands and side.’

Peace can come in no matter how securely we have our doors locked.