April 20, 2017 THURSDAY WITHIN THE OCTAVE OF EASTER

Acts 3:11-26

Psalm 8

Lk 24:35-48

But they were startled and terrified… Luke 24:37

Lord, life is messy and doesn’t always go as we plan or expect.  When things don’t work out for us like we want doubts and confusion can hold us back.  We can hesitate and withdraw within ourselves.  We can hide in the upper room like your disciples.  The events of last week from Palm Sunday to Easter are extraordinary and mysterious.  Your disciples were quite overwhelmed and fearful.  Your words of peace and your appearance among them increased their confidence and gave them much joy.  The Spirit that they would receive sealed the deal.  Their faith and your grace would overcome the obstacles their human nature presented.  Lord, I trust you can do all things and know exactly what graces I need to move past my sins and troubled heart.  Grant me the same peace from heaven which you gave your followers long ago.  May your wounds be signs to me of your love.  Amen.