Do Not Doubt His Peace | Easter 2
4.12.26 | John 20:19-30 | Fr. Kelly O'Sullivan
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There is nothing fancy in this poem. It uses repetition, just as Fr. Kelly highlighted that Jesus repeats the phrase twice to his disciples. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th stanzas each begin with a more abstract, lofty line, and then the second line adds something more simplistic and down-to-earth. The 5th stanza is playing off of Luke 10:41-42, a common passage for those who struggle with worry, anxiety, or abiding in peace:
“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”
Otherwise, this is simply a “sermon notes” poem. Though we will feel fear in this life, Christ tells us to stop it. Just stop it. He himself is the reason we must give up fear and abide in peace. Fear has no place in God’s kingdom, except fear of the Lord. Though even that fear becomes something rich and exultant because of Christ’s redeeming work on the cross. Hope in God. Fear only his name. Abide in his peace this Eastertide.
Do Not Doubt His Peace
Peace be with you…Peace be with you.
John 20:19, 21
Peace brothers. Peace sisters.
Be at peace. Let peace abide with you.
Angry animosity, harbored bitterness,
that annoying co-worker—peace be with you.
Wailing fear of failure, looming loss,
weeping over a broken toy—peace be with you.
Doubtful of your purpose, skeptical of truth,
what happens when I die?—peace be with you.
Thomas, Thomas, you are doubtful of many things.
One thing is necessary—peace I give to you.
This peace abides because it rests upon
a single, unswerving, world-shaking truth:
He lives. So trust the peace he gives.
Profess the peace he gives.