“The two disciples recounted what had taken place on the way and how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ But they were startled and terrified for they thought they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, ‘Why are you troubled?’ And why do questions arise in your hearts?”
The Easter appearances of the Lord were certainly reassuring moments as the once fear filled apostles struggled to sort out all that transpired. St. Luke continues by saying, ‘they were incredulous for joy and were amazed.’ What an exchange of emotions, ‘startled’, ‘terrified’, ‘amazed’ – as He stood in their midst.
The Lord is present to me today, with all our difficulties of pandemic, devastating storms and indifference of so many. He wishes to reveal Himself and reassure us that when He is present fear flees and His peace comes.