This was the photo I used this past week to represent calm and stillness in my journal for the e-course that Brene Brown is leading. The photo whirls me back in time, to Mombasa, and “stalking” this beautiful white bird in the sparkly water for a perfect shot. I never really got it but despite the bird being somewhat out of focus, there is still something appealing about it. My memory of that moment brings a calm and a smile.

In today’s Gospel Jesus appears to the apostles and says, “Peace be with you.”

What does the peace of Christ mean to you? When do you experience it? How does it come over you?

Tonight I was out with five friends from early childhood. I went to Grade 1 and on with four of the five and junior high on with the fifth. The later I had not seen in decades. I love how wonderful we have all turned out. That does not mean that our lives are perfect–quite the contrary. There was a lot of collective pain at that table. We talked about the mean teachers that scarred some of us, the crazy family dynamics others of us experienced, and the current state of our lives. Yet driving home, I felt incredible peace and gratitude. As I reflect on the Gospel, Christ stood there amongst His friends with his wounds fresh and tender. Christ was–and is–present during our struggles and stands with us, reassuring us that peace is ours.

As always, I close with my signature:

Peace…

Suzanne