If we had been there, when the arrest of Jesus was made, when the persecution became physical, when the taunts and humiliations grew in intensity, perhaps we would not take his offer of peace too lightly.  If we had been there when they nailed Jesus to the cross, offered him vinegar to drink and pierced his side, perhaps we would appreciate the value of the peace he offers.  If we had been there when he breathed his last, and when the curtain was rent in two and he declared “It is finished,” perhaps we would accept his offer of peace.