Sheringham: St Peter

In the upper room, where on Maundy Thursday, they had celebrated with Jesus sharing Bread and Wine, many of the disciples met together again on Easter Day. They met in secret, they locked the doors, and they were in fear.

It’s all very well for us; we know the outcome. Back in the day, all they knew was Fear: fear of the unknown.

Fear that they would be hunted down in a round-up of known associates of Jesus; fear of what may have happened to the body of Jesus; fear of Mary’s story that she had seen the risen Christ. In fact, Fear could be said to be the one constant around the aftermath of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Fear in the minds of those who had crucified Jesus, leading them to post a patrol of soldiers to prevent body snatchers raiding the grave.

Fear in the minds of the ladies, wondering how they were to gain access for their work of embalming.

Fear in the minds of Peter and John as the alarm was raised and they urgently ran to the tomb to check things out.

Fear in the minds of the whole group of Jesus’ followers, which led them to regroup in the upper room, in secret, with the doors locked.

There is nothing more unsettling than Not knowing. Not knowing is a huge obstacle to overcome. Not knowing led everyone that first EasterDay, to fear. They did not know, and they were afraid.

So, how afraid are we about our Faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Because faith is all about not knowing. If we knew, then we would not need faith. And it is the not knowing that causes the fear.

Fear is a human condition, which keeps us safe and often shows we care. Nelson Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” So, to acknowledge our fear, staring fear straight in the eye, and still do the right thing takes courage.

Our own Faith is no different. We may believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ…but…we don’t know. Look at Thomas, he didn’t know what to think when faced with his friends claiming to have seen the risen Christ. Ittakes courage to accept the unknown, and in faith to live the life of the Resurrection. Thomas wasn’t ready; he did not know…but when he was ready, he plucked up the courage and his life of faith took off in spectacular manner.

Faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ allows us to look fear straight in the eye and leads us into a way of life where we have the courage to live with the fear of the unknown.

In my former parish life, I would take Home Communion every month to a veteran Spitfire pilot of the second world war. Here was a man who when young had experienced Fear in the extreme. From his experience he once told me “Fear knocked at the door, I opened it, and there was no one there”.

That man’s faith was inspirational. As indeed is yours.

On that first Easter Day, the disciples met in fear. In that upper room with the doors closed, they realised that Jesus was with them; they were at peace, and at that moment, Fear was overcome.

In faith those once fearful ones now had the courage to tell their friends….

“We have seen the Lord”

Jesus continues to make his presence known to you and me. As St Luke reminds in his Book of the Acts of the Apostles,

“…Jesus God raised up, and of that we are witnesses” (Acts 2.32)

Let’s not hide our faith in Resurrection behind closed doors; let’s face our fears down and, by the way we live our lives, let’s have the courage to tell the people we know…

I have seen the Lord!

Alleluia, Christ is risen.

He is risen indeed, Alleluia.

The Revd Malcolm France

Sheringham: St Peter

Our message from the minister for the week commencing 12th April 2026

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