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The first appearance of Jesus to his disciples in the gospel of John (20:19-31) happens on the evening of the resurrection. In contrast to Luke’s extended temporal sequence of post-Easter events: appearances, ascension, and Pentecost, for John these are but different aspects of a single transcendent event, the resurrection-exaltation of Jesus: he has gone to be Father (20:17), in a glorified state as shown by his appearance behind locked doors (v19,26), and his conferral of the Holy Spirit and it’s accompanying peace (v19,21,22,26).
Peace is the translation of the famous Hebrew word Shālōm, (שָׁל֨וֹם) ordinarily used for greeting (Gen 43:23; Judg 6:23; Is 58:19), a blessing (Ex 4:18; Num 6:26), prosperity in a material sense (Ps 27:3, Is 54:13), and in the majority usage means tranquility or calm (Gen 26:29, 44:17; Lev 26:6; Ez 9:12; Ps 122:7; Mic 5:5).
While all these senses are kept in the term eirēnē, (εἰρήνη) in the NT, a significant difference is evident in the context of the redemptive-historical fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. Thus the peace of the risen Christ in this eschatological moment is not an ordinary greeting or wish but a statement of fact, a declaration about the restoration of harmony between God and creation and within the created order itself effected by the Spirit life of the resurrection (cf Col 1:20). It is the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise at the supper (14:27). The act of breathing the Spirit evokes the image of God’s breathing the spirit of life into Adam (Gen 2:7). Here it is the new life from God that is bestowed. It finds its ultimate expression in the intimate relationship with God made possible by the saving work of God. The person of Christ is the embodiment of peace, bringing about permanent reconciliation between humankind and God.
On this Sunday of the Divine Mercy, let us humbly and intensely ask for the peace of the Risen Christ, peace in the world especially in Ukraine, in our country especially during this election period, in every homes and in every hearts.
Jesus King of Mercy, I trust in you.
