May the peace and joy of the Lord guard your hearts now and always. The world is going through a lot right-now, and one thing we can all give each other is the gift of prayers and support. During this time of crisis, let us recollect what the disciples went through after the death of Jesus.  

[John 20:19] On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

As we are all behind closed doors, we can get caught up in fears of health, jobs and economy. The Lord is in our midst and proclaiming His Peace. Let us let go of fears and receive the Lord’s peace.  

[Luke 24 14-16] “and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred. And it happened that while they were conversing and debating, Jesus himself drew near and walked with them, but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.”.

Jesus draws close to us and is walking with us even now, can we recognize Him? Can we recognize Jesus in each other and walk with each other and be there for each other all the more during these times. Let us draw ourselves and each other closer to Jesus.

[Luke 24 25-26] And he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are! How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and enter into his glory?”

Truly Lord we are foolish, slow of heart, to believe and understand all that you want us to understand. Lord grant us your grace and mercy to get over this slowness and lack of understanding. Lord take over and show us your glory.

[Luke 24:29-31] But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.

“Stay with us Lord”, open our eyes and help us recognize your plan, so we do not give up on faith, so we can stand firm, stay awake now and till the end.  

[Mathew 24:42] “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come”

Lord we pray help us stay awake with you, stay with us, strengthen us – let your kingdom come on earth as in heaven.