Practicing Resurrection

Jesus stood among the disciples and said to them, "Peace be with you." They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, "Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." Luke 24. 36b - 48

How would you feel if you had been in the room with the disciples that day? When someone asked me that question recently, I couldn't really come up with a response. Seeing those whom I love who have died in dreams is one thing. But in the flesh, with wounds and voice I just don't know. Things are different now, and when we look at the world with Resurrection eyes, we can see those differences more clearly. But practice we must, because we are so inclined to "wonder and disbelieve" as the disciples did.

Maybe the first step in practicing resurrection is to hear the voice of Jesus say "Peace be with you" and to say the same to all who cross your path.

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio