Saint Athanasius Lutheran Church

The disciples were hunkering down for fear of the Jews. It had all happened so fast. They didn't know what to think. Much the same thing is happening today. People are hunkered down in fear. Of a virus. These things go on because sin goes on. But how we respond to them now is most certainly changed. And that's the very gift He gives His disciples that night. The forgiveness of their sins and the promise of life. Yes, there are still trials and struggles -- viruses and troubles -- that we must go through. Peter says that too. But they are sent, he says, not to destroy your faith, but to strengthen it like gold.