The world has been so different over the past year as people around the globe struggle with the pandemic that has upended and taken lives. There is much sorrow and pain still as the pandemic continues to rage in parts of the world. In all of that darkness, we look for a ray of light and for hope.

Today’s Gospel offers that glimpse of light: Like the apostles, we are not alone. God is with us, Jesus is with us. We can find peace in that. But the peace won’t be without trouble.  Jesus tells the apostles they have to have courage. We need that courage, too, to make it through our daily lives. What I think I must do and we all must do, is to look for those moments of peace. When life threatens to overwhelm me in all of the troubles and stress and sorrow, I have to take a step back, perhaps even physically. I have to take a deep breath. And I have to pray. That connection with God, with myself can bring a moment of peace. I can pray for myself, my family and friends. I can pray for people suffering from disease. I can pray for everyone struggling with needs and woes that we often don’t see, even among those we are closest to.