A sermon on John 20:19-31

By Fr. Mike Paraniuk
St. Mary Catholic Church
St. Benignus Catholic Church 
St. Mary Queen of Heaven
and Holy Trinity Catholic Church

A mother who had nine children was asked, "Which child do you love the most?" 

She thought about it for a second then replied, "I love the child most who needs it the most." 

The Apostles needed God's love and mercy the most. On the first day of the week which is a Sunday, they barricaded themselves behind locked doors. They carried in their hearts the guilt of abandoning their Lord. 

"I don't even know the man," said Peter. The rest of them cowardly ran away. Peter was most painfully aware of how much he hurt Jesus. Peter replied when confronted about being a friend of Jesus, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about! Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed...The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter." (Luke 22:60-61.) 

Peter's betrayal stabbed the heart of Jesus long before the Roman soldier thrust his spear. The Apostles were gripped with fear for their very lives. 

"Peter said to Jesus, 'Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!' And all the disciples said the same." (Matthew 26:35.) They feared their failed bragging would now come true.

In the midst of all their guilt, fear and hurt Jesus bursts into the room. He simply says, "Peace be with you." 

Jesus standing in their midst is a powerful and comforting message of hope for all of us. There is no sin so bad, no fear so big, no hurt so deep that Jesus can't break through the locked door of your heart. Jesus gives all His Mercy and Love to you when you need it the most. That is how He gives you peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27.) 

Peace is God's gift to you. But what is it? Peace is not just what you feel because there are no more problems. God's peace is the confident belief that your problems will not last forever. 

God knows what you are going through and will lead you through it. There is a difference between a troubled spirit and a troubled heart. A troubled spirit is an emotion of unhappiness you feel in the face of difficulties. Even Jesus experienced that. 

I'm sure Jesus was not happy with Satan who brought sickness and death into His beautiful creation. But Jesus never had a troubled heart which constantly lives in fear and despair. The Peace Jesus gives will protect your heart no matter what troubles you are going through. 

Jesus said, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33.)

The peace that Jesus gives you is not just for you. It is meant to be shared. “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 

You are called to be a window revealing a glimpse of the Risen Jesus by your deeds of love and your witness of faith. I spent Easter Sunday with my sister and her companion. Her house is like a revolving door of welcome. Friends drop by unannounced throughout the day for food and drinks. 

I call her place the "Polish Party Palace" where pierogies rule. I was deeply touched by two of her visitors. One is her good friend whose wife died of cancer. 

He told me, "I was so despondent when my wife died. I was all alone living in grief and pity. Then I befriended your sister. Her love pulled me out of the darkness. She helped me feel alive again.

Another friend dropped by. She was one of the few women allowed into the Masters golf tournament because she set up the lighting for CBS Sports. She is suffering from 4th-stage cancer. Yet, she is so upbeat one would not suspect she is fighting to live. She credits my sister's long friendship for giving her a reason to keep going. 

Easter is God's way of saying, "Let's party."

Jesus welcomes you to celebrate Easter with Him in His house. Don't go alone. Bring a guest. All are welcome. Happy Easter.