Peace Be With You (reflection on John 20:19-29)

I stand among you--
you who hide,
you who retreat
behind your bolted doors.
Peace be with you.
I am with you.

Under the weight of oppression,
bearing the pain of scars,
entombed in your fear--
Peace be with you.
I am with you.

Walk out of the cage
they have made for you.
The door is open.
Bear your scars,
Fear no one.
Even death is not the last word.
Peace be with you.
I am with you.

I stand among you
when they shut you out,
dividing you up into
colors, binding you with
their categories,
fencing in your welcome table.
Forgive them,
They don't know what they do.
Peace be with you.
I am with you.

The breath of the Spirit encircles all colors,
touches all in its path,
moves through fences.
Take. Eat. My table is open.
My bread is life.
My cup is poured out for you.
No one will be refused.
I stand among you.
Peace be with you--

Yes, even you Thomas.
Bring your doubt.
There's lots of doubt around my table;
I'll never shut it out, but come!
Touch my hands. Touch my sides.
At this table, no one hides their scars.
I stand among you.
Peace be with you.

No, it's not a feast of perfection here.
Take. Eat.
The food I offer makes you whole,
not perfect--
wholly kind, wholly merciful,
wholly welcoming, wholly present,
wholly forgiving. Take. Eat.

I stand among you, but I send you out!
Go out and stand among them--
ALL of them.
I will go with you.
Peace be with you.