Variety: 1 John 4v18

At the beginning of Jesus’ life in Mary’s womb there is an Angel saying “Fear not!”… At the beginning of Jesus’ risen life he says “Peace be with you” The author of 1 John later wrote, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear” [1 John 4:18]. I think that this is the point of Jesus’ life: Perfect love casts out fear. Fear is a biological response and universal experience, but Jesus’s assurance is also true: “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you….’ When he had said this, he breathed on them…” “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” The door opens toward love—the love of God, the love of neighbour. I can’t explain it. All I know is that it is right. And I feel it. When I’m scared, I breathe. My breath. Sacred breath. Spirit breath. The in, out, in, out, in, out of life. My heart slows and opens, making room for the other, giving space to love. In, out, in, out. Breathe in peace. Breathe out love. Peace, love. Peace, love. Fear abates. Perfect love casts out fear. I think of the first words of scripture, how “in the beginning” there was nothing but chaos. Then, God breathed. Chaos was transformed by that breath into a world of beauty and sustenance. Easter began in confusion and terror behind a locked door. Now, it comes to a quiet conclusion in the breathing … the promise and possibility of new creation. Peace, love. Perhaps that’s what is meant by resurrection. Being raised from the deadened weight of fear to love. Diana Butler Bass