Scientia potentia est. Knowledge is power.

An explorer returned from an exotic far-away land to her own people who were eager to know about the place she had been. The explorer could easily describe the incredible beauty of the place, with its thundering waterfalls, beautiful foliage and extraordinary wildlife, but how could she put into words the feelings that flooded her heart when she heard the night sounds of the forest, or sensed the dangers of the rapids, or experienced the warm hospitality of the local people? So, she tells them they simply must go to the place themselves, it’s the only way for anyone to really know it. To help them with their journey the explorer draws them a map.

Well, immediately the people pounce on the map, they make copies so everyone has access. They frame the map for their town hall and their homes. They study the map and discuss it often. They have debates and arguments about the best route to take; and before long they consider themselves experts on this wonderful place! After all, don’t they know the location of every waterfall, every bend in the river, every mountain range? But no-one ever goes.

Scientia potentia est. But, there’s knowledge and then there’s knowledge.

“If you are the Messiah,” said the Jewish leaders to Jesus, “tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me”

What is the biggest group that you've ever sung with? For those less musically inclined I would anticipate your answer is something like your church congregation. For the more musically involved, maybe it's on the order of hundreds of people. It could even be that you've attended a large concert and sung with thousands of people. But what if I told you that our Revelations reading for this week and the liturgy of our Divine service says that, actually, we regularly lift our voices in worship with not just those around us, but with thousands upon thousands and myriads upon myriads of angels?

In our Gospel reading today, we hear Jesus use the phrase “peace be with you” three times, but in different contexts. First, to the disciples' fear, bringing joy; second, to Thomas’ doubt, inspiring faith; and third, to all believers as they are sent into the world to share this peace through forgiveness. Through His wounds, His presence, and the gift of the Holy Spirit, Jesus not only offers peace but equips His followers to carry that peace into a broken world.