“Jesus came and stood in the midst of them and said ‘Peace be with you’ “

The dominant feature in all Our Lord’s resurrection appearances was his masterly serenity.  As we read the Gospel record we are impressed not merely with the peace but with the power which the Risen Christ radiated – quite different from the placid and untried tranquillity of those for whom life has been easy.  For the peace of the Risen Christ, as the scars in his hands and feet and side testified, came not from an untroubled enjoyment of prosperity but from a triumphant victory over adversity.

On Good Friday he not only conquered the greatest enemy of all – the power of evil – but also faced and overcame the three great trials which this life holds for everyone – fear, and sorrow and death.

His victory over fear was gained in the Garden of Gethsemane as he faced in his mind all the horror and the agony and the shame of the Crucifixion.  Though he instinctively recoiled from what awaited him, he overcame his natural shrinking and steeled his will to drain the cup of suffering to the dregs.  From then onwards there was a calmness and authority about him which was nothing less than majestic.