Pastoral letter for Sunday 19th April

Rev Roger Smith

Jesus says, 'Peace be with you'

John 20: 19-31

Here are two pictures. Which one speaks of 'peace' to you?

A year ago I went on a family walk at Cautley Spout in the Howgills with a stream flowing down the fell and this small pool by the path.

This April I walked to Aldi and passed this house with building work on hold and decorated with rainbows and the messages 'Happy Easter' and 'Stay home'.

A fellside pool and a rainbow sign both speak of peace: one feels out of reach, the other speaks of peace in these troubled times.

On that first Easter evening the disciples were in lock-down (we know how that feels!) but Jesus came and stood among them and said 'Peace be with you!' He didn't reproach them for their many and varied failings. He spoke a word of peace and the disciples were overjoyed to see him.

However life is for you right now, Jesus is speaking directly to you and saying 'Peace be with you!'

Rev Roger Smith

A prayer
Risen Jesus,
may all who are unwell hear you saying 'Peace be with you!'
may all key workers hear you saying 'Peace be with you!'
may all worried about money hear you saying 'Peace be with you!'
may all caring for family, friend or neighbour hear you saying 'Peace be with you!'
may all who are afraid hear you saying 'Peace be with you!'
and may I hear you saying 'Peace be with you!'
Amen.