Often with the arrogance
of distance
we consider the disciples
trembling in that locked room
and we shake our heads.
But the spirit of fear
that gripped them
is all too familiar.
It’s not of God, we know
and yet we entertain it
worrying what people will say
keeping ourselves sealed away
in the safety of our
comfort zones.
We hide from possible ridicule
or persecution
until in walks Jesus
passing through our defenses
ghostlike
and bearing Peace
derision and death
hardly a match for him.
Receive the Holy Spirit
he says, and suddenly
fear pads out the door
tail between its legs.
Clear-eyed now
we stare into the Lord’s face
and await instruction.
Leave this place, says Jesus.
Go out, my Word in hand
and spread it far and wide
to the world of
women and men
for whom I died
for whom I live
again.
John 20:19–23