Go forth!

In John’s account of the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, the disciples move from fear to peace, from unbelief to belief. Afraid that they might be the next targets of the Jewish leaders, they huddled together in a locked room, unsure of where to go or what to do.

In their state of fear and uncertainty Jesus appears and sends them out on mission, promising that the Holy Spirit would be with them. “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (John 20:21) Even doubting Thomas comes to believe.

How often do we let fear prevent us from being faithful to the mission Jesus has given us? “Do not be afraid” is the sentence most often spoken in the gospels. It takes courage and trust in the abiding presence of the Spirit of Christ for us to leave the locked room of our comfort, our security, our indifference and give our time and energy to walking with Christ along the way only we can follow.

My photos this week reflect the emergence of spring here and my emergence as well, as I venture farther from home to witness the growth and new life arising from the earth.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” (John 20:29)