SHALOM

We know the end of this story, but for the disciples after Jesus’ death fear was the driving spirit. They were suffering and had locked themselves away to nurse their despair and their fear. The doors were firmly closed.

In this account of the resurrection appearance, notice how John constantly refers to the wounds of Jesus. Even though he has risen he still bears the wounds. His suffering happened and he bears the marks of that suffering. He wants Thomas to literally get in ‘touch’ with his suffering. Thomas is often unfairly referred to as a ‘doubter’ and yet in this text he makes one of the most profound statements of faith: “My Lord and my God".

We can look back on times when we suffered in our lives and perhaps see those resurrection moments that it brought. It is through those moments that Jesus says, ‘Peace be with you’. One minute they disciples are locked away in fear for their lives, the next they are ready to embrace their mission to the world.

“The Jewish greeting of shalom, that is so much more than a good wish for a quiet evening. Shalom expresses the desire that the person receiving the blessing might be whole in body, mind and spirit” (Margaret Silf).