Peace be with you

I have never been one to focus on or talk much about politics. Lately, however, whenever I am gathered with like minded friends, the conversation seems to lean in that direction. Worry, concern, and even fear are at the very center of whatever topic has erupted out of the daily news.

Have you heard this? Did you read about that? Do you understand what is happening in our county, the country, the world? What could all this be leading to? What are we to do?

Much like these gatherings with my friends, the apostles have gathered together, close friends with enough worry and concern, to retreat behind locked doors to a place where they could openly and honestly discuss what was on their minds.

Their whole world has been shattered, and they are trying to sort out the events of the past weeks and prepare for what may be coming in the days ahead. Filled with fear, the room must have been highly charged with anxious energy.

I want you to imagine the moment before Jesus walked in. The energy in the space as words of worry and fear are exchanged. Think about the things that worry you, keep you awake at night, and rob you of your peace.

And then, “Peace be with you.” In an instant, Jesus is present.

In a breath, the air in the room changes, and the heartbeat of each person there slows because when the Prince of Peace enters a space, peace in its very essence enters each person there.

Peace be with you, in a word, Shalom, an everyday Middle Eastern greeting, much like our common greeting: “Hi, how are you?” The meaning behind this greeting runs deeper than it sounds. “Hi, How are you?” really means I see you, and you matter.

William Barclay says the greeting offered by Jesus also means much more.

More than “May you be saved from trouble.” It means: “May God give you every good thing.”

In my bible study group, when the room is charged with worry and concern, and it seems there is nothing we can do to improve the situation we are discussing, someone in the room will break through the tension and say, “We should pray.” The minute the words “let us pray” are spoken, the air shifts, and our hearts are quieted.

Because we trust that when two or three gather to pray, Jesus is present.

Peace enters– even before we recognize Jesus’ presence.

At that moment, something happens in our brains – we are calmed, and our prayers are clear and direct.

This is a place where faith and science are woven together. When fear and worry are present, the amygdala is activated. The amygdala is the part of the brain that triggers a fight-or-flight response.

In contrast, the prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and decision-making. Activity in the prefrontal cortex becomes impaired during a fight or flight response. Depending on the intensity of the fear – rational thought, emotional regulation, and self-control can go out the window.

Studies have shown that during prayer, the amygdala calms, heart rate and blood pressure decrease, and rational thinking returns.

“Peace be with you.” “May God give you every good thing.” Clears the path, empowers, and opens the space for imagining what previously seemed unimaginable.

Before this moment, the disciples had no idea what they should be doing. Their beloved friend and mentor has been unjustifiably executed, and they fear they may be next.

Jesus’ words “may God give you every good thing” would include may God give you a calm spirit and a clear mind. This shift in brain activity was desperately needed so the disciples could hear and understand the following commissioning.

“As the father has sent me, so I send you.” If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.

With the breath of God, he fills them with the Holy Spirit. From this moment on, everything has changed.

And in the first 5 chapters of Acts, we see the change in action. Clear-headed and empowered by the authority given by Jesus. Peter begins preaching. The first converts were baptized, and there were about 3000 of them. A community is formed, continues to grow, and many are healed.

“Day by day they spent much time together in the temple. They broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people. And day by day, the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

Ronald Rolheiser’s book “Holy Longing” talks about the apostolic community. In this community we are, in his words “to stand shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand precisely with people who are very different from ourselves and with them hear a common word, say a common creed, share a common bread, and offer a mutual forgiveness so as in that way to bridge our differences and become a common heart. Church is not about a few like-minded persons getting together for mutual support. It is about millions and millions of different kinds of persons transcending their differences so as to become a community beyond temperament, race, ideology, gender, language, and background.”

Prior to receiving the Holy Spirit, we see a community of people filled with fear, without direction, and without the genuine connections of community. With the filling of the Holy Spirit, the apostolic community is formed and can no longer be contained within the walls of the upper room.

The work of One has now become the work of many. This community, standing shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand, bursts into the world and creates a glorious ruckus.

They continued to increase in numbers and it was when people started bringing the sick from nearby towns to be healed that the high priest, in their jealousy, took action.

The apostles were seized and taken before the council, who, in addition to their jealousy, felt like they were being blamed for Jesus’ death.

Even under the scrutiny of the council of high priests, Peter and John do not waver. The fear and anxiety that had once paralyzed them no longer has power over them, and they stand firm in their faith and convictions. Filled with inner peace, they are ready for whatever the future may hold.

We are part of this apostolic community. We break bread together, and we pray together. Jesus is present in the bread and the wine. Jesus is present in the body of believers who come together to pray in his name. Jesus is present when we go into the world and share the good news that all is forgiven of those who turn to him.

Jesus is present, and where he is, there is peace.

May we, too, be at peace and ready for whatever the future holds. May we remain faithful to the teachings of Jesus. May we stand shoulder to shoulder and hand in hand as we go out into the world, creating a glorious ruckus.

“Let us pray for peace: peace in the world and in each of our hearts.” Pope Francis (Dec 17, 1936 – April 21, 2025)

A moment to stay home

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Statistics are showing that social distancing is working, And yet, we are still hearing stories of people, groups, and congregations rebelling against the directives given by our leaders.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:1, 7

In the social distancing and stay home directives, we are asked to give up many things. We are giving up routines and rituals, comforts and assurances, as well as some of the “stuff” to which we have become accustomed. Amazon boxes used to show up on my porch fairly often with books, office supplies, and some fun things too. My dog is missing the UPS treats!

It is interesting to notice my own reaction to the changes imposed on my life as a result of COVID-19. Sometimes a little rebellion, some frustration, some sadness, and some moody statements, “I didn’t need it anyway.” How quickly I shift into. “It’s going to be ok.” “It’s worth the sacrifice.” “Others have given up or lost so much more.” matters. Quite honestly, I did not need it anyway.

What is it that is prompting people to ignore the directives and leaders as they, too, navigate this unchartered territory? Withholding judgment and anger, I will not even speculate.

I miss my church. So, I light a candle, open my Bible, and imagine someone somewhere at that exact moment is reading scripture with me, and I pray with them and for them.

I miss my friends. So, I make calls, write letters, face-time when I can, and remember with compassion all those who felt alone even before all this began.

I miss the freedom to go wherever, whenever. So, I walk outside. Interesting how luxurious this feels now. I am mindful of those who are without even this.

I miss the exchange of hugs. So, I stop and pray for all those who have been lost or have lost loved ones to this virus.

Jesus knew very well the feelings of isolation and disconnect from those he needed for support.

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:37-41

This is but a moment. Stay strong and keep watch.

As you read this, know that this day you are in my prayers. I am sending you love. I know with certainty you are not alone. God is with you. Prayer is our most significant connection. Close your eyes, breathe deep and feel the love surrounding you.

A moment of retreat

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Have you ever had the opportunity to meet someone who, even though they are going through a difficult struggle in life, seems not only be joyful but also shares their joy with others? These people who carry the weight of the world with grace and courage inspire us and make us feel as if the world is a kind and loving place. On the other side of the spectrum, there are those who take their struggles and seem to leak them out on others. The weight they carry is massive, and so they are continually unloading it and often at inappropriate times. We recognize them by their anger, bitterness, and pessimism.

In the previous post, I shared with you the poem How Can I? I share these dark moments not to be morose, but to recognize the authenticity and importance of those moments. I Feel we are at our best when we can acknowledge and accept them as a gift. Life will throw us curve balls, and sometimes really hard and fast! However, at that moment when we are afraid, empty and have no answers, we have a great deal of space in our heart, mind, and spirit. We can choose to be active while waiting, filling our time with distractions like television, internet, and projects. Or we can choose to actively wait.

This month a fantastic team is working together to put the finishing touches on The Joy Retreat. There is a great deal of actively waiting involved in the preparation. Actively waiting means simply being, being in the place and doing the things that can bring us answers and fill our empty spaces in a healthy and fulfilling way. We need to be actively pushing away the habits of instant gratification and embracing the moment between not knowing and knowing. What we do in those moments our team is calling Habits of Joy.

How can we have joy and feel joyful when life is hard and grievous difficulties are close at hand? How can we feel joy when we cannot see the rainbow at the end of the journey? The joy in waiting comes when we are actively practicing habits of joy.

I believe we all have habits of joy and we exercise them. Although, if you are like me, it is not as often as we should and generally it is at the moment when we have just had enough. But the more we exercise Habits of Joy, the more ingrained the habits become and our ever-present inner joy , will surface, even in moments of deep sorrow.

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. Hebrews 3:13-14 (NIV)

I invite you to take a moment and participate in the Joy Retreat by sharing here…

What do you do when you are actively waiting? What are the habits that spark or restore your joy?

Peace to you all,

Alana

A moment for questions

So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” John 20:25-27 (NRSV)

As many of us do, I live with a heart like Thomas, asking “show me.” What specifically am I asking for? In the Bible, there are many stories where the proof is shown. Am I asking to see the wounds of Christ? Am I seeking a burning bush, a rainbow or to be swallowed by a whale until I have an understanding? Maybe really I am just asking for some clarity. How important is it that I believe in God and Satan or burning bushes and rainbow promises. It doesn’t seem likely that we will ever have the privilege of the certainty that Thomas received. So, what can we be sure of?

Perhaps more important than certainty is being able to recognize love and hate and to know that good and evil do exist. We may never see a burning bush, hear the audible voice of God, or be swallowed by a whale. But we can recognize the power of love, the peace that comes after a storm, and the push of our conscience to follow our gut. Sometimes the stories in scripture frustrate me because the literal interpretation makes them implausible. The intended message, however, is not.

When I see the sadness in the world, I think “There can’t be a God,” and the despair I feel brings me back to the story of Thomas. The disciples gathered in a house after his death. They were full of the desperation they must have felt for the loss of Jesus and the leadership they had come to rely on. Jesus entered and in the act of love and understanding showed Thomas his wounds and offered comfort.

The absence of God leaves despair, and the presence of God brings peace. That is clear enough for me. God is Love. Jesus shows us what love looks like. By our loving each other and bringing comfort and peace and we remove doubt and despair.