Join us for the third episode of a new audio retreat presented by St Augustine’s College of Theology, celebrating the people of Easter and reflecting on their stories.
This instalment, written and produced by tutor Chris Chapman, takes inspiration from John 20. 19-23. We’ll recall the story of Jesus appearing in the locked room where his disciples have gathered, and how he sent them back out into the world after replenishing their spirits.
This is the third instalment of a four-part audio retreat. If you haven’t already, you can listen to the previous episodes here:
“As the Father sent me, so I send you”
The disciples were gathered together behind a locked door when Jesus appeared among them.
Confused and afraid for their safety, they had retreated into a small room and barred the door. Perhaps they only realised their Lord had joined them when they heard him say, “Peace be with you.”
When Jesus showed his disciples his hands and side, they rejoiced in his presence. His loyal friends listened as Jesus told them, “As the Father sent me, so I send you.”
After breathing on each of them so they received the Holy Spirit, he sends them on their way. Perhaps it was Jesus himself who pushed the now unlocked door wide open, ushering his disciples out into the light of a new morning.
From indoors to outdoors
What does it mean for us to move from a locked room, through a newly open doorway, and into the light of morning?
In this audio retreat, we think about our perceptions of ourselves. We imagine how we might question, challenge or refresh these perceptions – recognising that the door is unlocked and the world is open to us.
We think about what limits us in terms of knowing who we are. In a way, Jesus’ appearance among the disciples was his way of reminding them of who they were and what they were capable of.
How can we do the same for ourselves? What “labels” are we identifying with, and are they right for us? Together, we’ll open the proverbial door to find our own definitions.
How to listen to this audio retreat episode
To listen to this episode of the Easter People audio retreat, follow this link to the YouTube version of the episode or listen directly using the YouTube player below.
There is no right or wrong way to listen to this audio retreat. You can listen to it as many times as you like, by yourself or with others.
If you’d like to read along with this audio retreat, you can download the transcript for this episode. You can also use the subtitles/closed captions on the YouTube video.
Resources for prayer and reflection
To accompany you on your audio journey, you can download helpful written resources, designed to help you along in your reflection and prayer.
To get you thinking about unlocking locked rooms, you’ll find:
- Verses from John 20.19-23
- A mental “immersion” exercise, where you’ll imagine yourself in the locked room alongside the disciples
- An excerpt from Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem, ‘Kingfishers Catch Fire’
- A meditation on labels and how to identify which ones to leave behind
Although it’s not necessary for you to use the downloadable resources to enjoy this audio retreat, it can add a greater dimension to your reflection and prayer.
New ‘Easter People’ audio retreats throughout April and May
This is the second episode in a four-part series on the People of Easter. To ensure you receive the next episode straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter.
In next week’s final episode, we’ll join Simon Peter as he decides whether to leave the safety of the shore to risk the deep waters of God’s mystery.
Need something to listen to in the meantime? The first two episodes of this retreat are available now:
Episode One: Mary Magdalene at the garden tomb
Episode Two: On the road to Emmaus
And if you’d like to listen to more audio retreats, you can explore our previous series and take a prayerful audio journey with Chris Chapman and a number of special guests.
