What are the emotions we associate with Easter? Joy is first. Perhaps gratitude and a general uplift. But the resurrection appearances offer another which may be greater: peace.

We are used to hearing Jesus say “peace be with you” and dealing with freaked out disciples. Telling them not to fear. But what we have is a moment of total unrest and confusion. Perhaps at a level they (or we!) have never before experienced. They are in a straight-up existential crisis. And the impossible is happening. That’s what Jesus walks into and offers them peace.

There’s a reason it is the most common refrain from Jesus to his disciples. And why it is one we need to hear over and over. Because there are things that scare us–and make us act weird. Jesus is giving us a gift for now! Peace. This is not the end of our story.