'In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, 'Peace be with you' and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, 'Peace be with you.'

Imagine that you are there locked in that room as part of a group of frightened people not knowing what to do or what will happen next. All your hopes and dreams shattered and there seems to be no way through the darkness. And then suddenly Christ is with you. Imagine His extraordinary resurrected presence filling the room and filling your mind and heart. Imagine how transforming that feels as all your doubts and worries melt away and you are filled with great joy as again Jesus says 'Peace be with you.'

Now imagine taking Christ into the different areas of your life where you are frightened; areas of your life that are locked in the upper room for whatever reason. It may be areas of grief or loss; areas of sin; areas of doubt or pain or anger. In this Easter time, instead of keeping these areas of your life locked for fear of what might happen, if you open them up to God's presence, allow the risen Christ into these areas of your life. Allow him to show you his hands and his side and to say to you 'Peace be with you.' And allow Christ to ever more transform you life.