On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst of the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

What “doors” have we locked because of fear?

Have we locked the door of our hearts because of our fear of the unrest and violence in our world?

Have we locked the door to friendships for fear of being hurt?

Have we locked the door of leadership roles for fear of making mistakes?

Have we locked the opportunity for a job change for fear of transitions?

As Jesus wanted to be in the midst of the disciples so too He wants to be involved in our lives, to bring His peace to us, to enter our minds and hearts. But how can we unlock ourselves from our little world of fear?

When this question came up in Fyodor Dostoevsky’s great novel The Brothers Karamazov, the wise elder Fr. Zossima said in response, “Go help someone. Reach out to a brother or sister in need. Feed the hungry, heal the sick—or at least, take on your small share of the task—and then, only then, will you come to know that the world is trustworthy and God is real.” Perhaps volunteer in a shelter, a food pantry, a nursing home, visit a shut in…: it will soften your heart.. Spend time in nature, in a playground with young children; sing, read poetry, hang out with the “good, the true and the beautiful.”

Embrace and foster within yourself the energy of beauty and goodness and you just might find yourself unlocking the door to God’s presence and peace. For further thoughts check out http://cynthiabourgeault.org/ask-cynthia/

Peg Orzel