One of the most tantalizing details of the Resurrection accounts is the fact that the Risen Jesus enters rooms through locked doors. We read in the Gospels that the Apostles had locked themselves in the upper room in fear after Jesus’ Crucifixion. And yet, the Risen Christ appeared in their midst. (John 20:19)
This message is so important for us today, as we find ourselves still in the pandemic, still observing isolation and social-distancing guidelines. We need to know that the Risen Christ is capable of penetrating our locked doors!
This is especially important for catechists who are teaching remotely and wonder if they are reaching those they teach. The experience can be very frustrating. One catechist, however, told me a wonderful story that deserves sharing. This catechist told me how he led his seventh-grade students in a guided reflection during one of their remote sessions. During that guided reflection, he led his students to imagine that Jesus was with them and that they were having a conversation with him. Afterwards, the catechist asked if any of the students had reactions to share, and one young man said, “Hey, that’s the first time God was ever in my room!”
If we truly believe that God can be found in all things, then we must believe that he can be found in cyberspace! The Risen Christ continues to enter through locked doors to be present to his people, and catechists facilitate these encounters each and every day, in person and in remote settings.
To that, I say, Alleluia!
I have done several guided reflections in this year of Zoom classes doing our faith formation remotely. I was hopeful at how my second-graders would respond to it. They seemed to have the same kind of prayer experience as when we are in-person and some of them keeping asking “Mrs. Coleman, are we going to do the special prayer this week?” So grateful to have guided reflections right there for me in our God’s Gift teacher guides.