Peace Be With You

This is the English-translated outline of the homily preached by Rev. Musubi Tabuchi on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026, to the congregations of Ashiya Christian Church and Unfinished Community, drawing from Matthew 28:1-10

Last week, we read together in the evening the account of Jesus’ journey to the cross in Matthew chapters 26–27. As we were reading that story, I was very curious to know to what extent you were able to sense the feelings and thoughts of the characters involved. For instance, the scene where the high priest Caiaphas interrogates Jesus he seems to show a touch of irritation, while Jesus responds calmly. And on the cross, with what emotions did Jesus carry while uttering the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me”? When you read the Bible aloud, your understanding of it deepens as you reach for the emotions, as much as the content.

Today is Easter, the day we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. In the resurrection account in the Gospel of Matthew, Mary Magdalene and the others encounter an angel who tells them that Jesus has “risen.” How must they have felt at that moment? What does it mean to be “filled with fear yet with great joy”?

On their way, they encountered Jesus. At that moment, Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you.” This phrase is actually a bit difficult to translate; it’s a formal greeting, similar to “Hello,” “Good evening,” or “Good morning,” coming from the Hebrew word “shalom.” While the Resurrection is certainly a special event—the very core of Christianity—the first words spoken by the risen Jesus were simply an ordinary “Good morning.”

If nothing else, I want to give thanks that we encounter the risen Jesus not always in the dramatic, but in the ordinary routines of our daily lives.

Let us pray: God, who raised Jesus from the dead, we thank You that we may continue to walk with the risen Jesus every day. Please fill us with Your presence. We pray in the name of the risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.