Jesus cannot let fear stand. Jesus transcends these fearfully locked doors and pronounces a better word for the disciples: peace. With the gift of peace, Jesus sends them out with the Holy Spirit to continue to spread the message of peace.
We are all motivated by fear: fear of being emotionally or physically hurt, fear of financial upheaval, fear of the unknown, fear of death. Like the disciples, we, too, lock ourselves behind our own fearful doors. But Jesus cannot let fear stand. In its place, Jesus offers us peace and sends us to spread peace. We need not rely on our fearfully locked doors to keep us safe.
May we trust that God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)
Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to unlock my fearful doors and to trust in your gift of peace. Amen. — ANS