Throughout the entire Easter season of Gospel readings, we consider several of Jesus’ appearances to his followers, encounters that often find those followers surprised, bewildered, and disbelieving. They certainly understood what had just happened to their master outside of the walls of Jerusalem and so now, to see him right there in front of them in the flesh… must have been quite startling and even disturbing.

There is a consistency worth considering in these appearance stories and that is the recurring pattern of peace, presence, and purpose. Review the post-Resurrection portion of the Gospels and you’ll detect this pattern.

Peace. Frequently and often quite directly, Jesus offers his peace. He will say: “Peace be with you” which is not only the meaning of the common Hebrew greeting, Shalom, but it is also meant to set their minds and hearts at ease. Most of the followers had abandoned Christ at Calvary and so Jesus’ greeting of peace can be construed as an act of forgiveness and reassurance to them. It as though Jesus is saying, “let’s let the past be in the past and instead, let’s look toward the future together.”

Presence. Jesus stayed with them during many of these appearances, offering comfort simply by being there. In one appearance, he asked for a meal of fish which indicates that he intended on sticking around and experiencing some very real fellowship. This was not a fleeting cameo appearance, but rather a full on point of connection with them. We remember this every time we share in a meal together with Christ at Mass by virtue of the Eucharist, an enduring gift of presence given directly to us by Jesus on his last night with the disciples.

Purpose. Jesus frequently reminds his followers of his core teachings and that they were witnesses to something unique and very special. He invited them to share what they had seen and experienced with others, thus hoping to further spread his message of hope and salvation. This is where the notion of church arises, particularly as he formally commissioned his disciples to continue this work forward and into the future.

Peace, presence, and purpose. In many ways, these are the guiding principles of our entire life in faith, a life through which we are asked to share in the mission of Christ. First, we should remember that the offering of peace to the followers is similarly made to each of us – we are forgiven, we are healed. Second, we can count on Jesus’ continuing presence in our lives and should strive to follow Jesus just as he invited his followers to do when he was with them. And lastly, we should bring all we have experienced to others; we are similarly commissioned to carry forward our faith to others… as church.

I believe it is particularly worth reflecting on these fundamental building blocks of peace, presence, and purpose during the Easter season. They are the grounding pillars of a life in Christ and can become helpful points of personal guidance as we seek him in our lives.

Here are some questions to consider:

Peace. How can his promise of forgiveness help us to turn away from those behaviors that hurt us and others and which repeatedly separate us from God? What might we do to increase the level of peace in our lives and in the lives of those around us?

Presence. Will a recommitment to the sacraments help us to feel closer to Jesus? How can we be more present to others, including the elderly, the sick, and the lonely?

Purpose. In a life crowded with obligations and clouded by distractions, how might we focus more clearly on discipleship? And how can we align ourselves more fully with Christ?