QUIET COURAGE
“Peace be with you.” - Lk 24:35-48
When I think of the word "peace," I cannot help but think of my daughter's name, Ollie Windland. Her name comes from the olive branch, which signifies peace, and Windland is a combination of the gentle breeze of God to hopefully carry her through life and keep her close to the earth. I can still recall the first time my husband and I held her in our arms, and it was an encounter that forever changed us. She was our answered prayer and resurrected a renewed faith to follow God more faithfully, know him more intimately, and love him more ardently. We encountered a tender, compassionate, and loving God through the heartache of our infertility journey as we waited for our unfolding story. God's peace met us in the gentle presence and support of our family, friends, and community. These encounters, imbued with care, concern, and love, brought quiet courage to our hearts, melting and dissolving our fears.
In today's gospel, Jesus appeared to his disciples, and his first statement upon rising from the dead was, "Peace be with you." When I imagine myself in that particular setting, the quote from St. Ignatius comes to mind, "Everything in the world is presented to us as a way of knowing God because God's presence can mostly be found in the everyday activities of ordinary life." When we breathe in that which is close and prime ourselves for an intimate exchange with God, not rushed, not hungry, and only open, we can become more attentive to encounter Jesus in the ordinary events of our lives. God encourages us this Easter season to release deep holding patterns and meet him in a surrendered place with hopes of discovering a more profound love through the people in front of us.
Lord, help me see how and where I am invited to grow in greater hope, love, and faith.
Tam Lontok