Scripture gives us an ideal framework today.  Jesus says three times: “Peace be with you,” and that if we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we may have life.  What might that all mean?

 The doors were shut, for fear of the Jews...  Of course, they were afraid!  Peter - the Rock, was laden with shame and guilt for not only denying he was a follower - but he said he didn’t even know Jesus. These 10 disciples have good reason to be afraid, to be hunkered down behind locked doors, anxious and weary under a heavy blanket of dread for might now happen to them.  They know too well that they have been seen with Jesus, and that the powers that be might be coming after them next.   But Jesus enters and proclaims the first:  “PEACE be with you.” I know you have reason to be frightened, but I am with you.  Don’t be afraid.