There is an ancient reflection on the fruitful yield of our Lord’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection, which reads as follows: “When thus he had tilled the ground of the soul with the wooden plough of his cross, he planted in it a lovely garden of the Spirit; a garden which brings forth for God as its master the sweetest and most delightful fruits of every sort” (attributed to St. Macarius, Homily 28). To consider the work of Redemption in the lives of the faithful as a beautiful garden that brings forth an abundant harvest is a fitting way for us to end the Octave of Easter and begin the remaining Easter Season, which will end at Pentecost. A significant fruit from that garden is a peace that the world cannot give.
In His first appearance to the disciples as a group after His Resurrection, the first words from our Lord’s mouth are, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19). These are words of consolation. The disciples had scattered after our Lord’s arrest. One had betrayed Him, another denied Him. Only the Beloved remained at the foot of the cross, along with our Lord’s Mother, her sister, and Mary of Magdala (John 19:25). However, what had happened was the reason for His coming. Death was conquered. Reconciliation came to the world. Now that reconciliation was to be extended to others. “Peace be with you,” He said to them again (John 20:21). Then He breathed on them, always a sign of life and power in the Scriptures, and said, “Receive the holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:22-23). The victorious cross was ploughing the soul to plant a beautiful garden in the Spirit. Like workers in a vineyard, the disciples were to go forth bringing God’s forgiveness to others. This is the work of the Church. This forgiveness says “Peace be with you” to the repentant. The Divine Mercy has spoken.