Peace Be With You

Have you ever experienced a moment so powerful, so filled with grace, that it changed the way you saw everything around you? That’s what today’s readings invite us into—a divine encounter with the Risen Lord, who comes to heal, to commission, and to conquer fear. As we reflect on these passages during this Easter season, we’re reminded that the Resurrection is not a distant memory. It is a present and living force that ignites faith, strengthens the Church, and calls each of us to become witnesses of a new and eternal life.

The central theme that binds today’s Scriptures is the transforming power of faith in the Risen Christ and the mission that flows from it. From the awe-inspiring miracles performed by the apostles in Acts, to the joyful cries of deliverance in Psalm 118, to John’s vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation, and finally to the tender encounter between Jesus and Thomas in The Gospel of John, we see a movement from fear to faith, from doubt to declaration, and from hiding to healing. The Resurrection is not only God’s victory over death—it is His invitation to us to participate in that victory through faith, even when we have not seen.

Historically and theologically, these readings reflect the early Church’s emergence in the face of persecution, the deep roots of Israel’s thanksgiving for deliverance, and the apocalyptic vision that reassures suffering Christians of Christ’s eternal reign. The Gospel’s account of Thomas reminds us that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but often the threshold to deeper belief. In a world that often feels locked in fear—much like that upper room—Jesus still enters and says, “Peace be with you”. Will we open our hearts to believe, to receive His Spirit, and to go where He sends us?

First Reading – Acts 5:12–16

Heaven Touches Earth

The Acts of the Apostles is often called the “Gospel of the Holy Spirit,” and for good reason. Written by St. Luke as a continuation of The Gospel of Luke, it recounts the earliest days of the Church, guided and empowered by the Spirit of the Risen Christ. This reading captures a miraculous and awe-inspiring moment: the Church is just beginning to take shape, and yet its impact is undeniable. We find ourselves in Jerusalem, likely within weeks of the Resurrection. The apostles, once hiding in fear, now boldly proclaim the name of Jesus—and with power. Their authority echoes that of Jesus Himself, and the people are witnessing signs and wonders that confirm the truth of the Gospel. Today’s theme of faith in the Risen Christ and the mission of the Church pulses throughout this passage. The apostles are not merely preserving memories of Jesus; they are revealing His living presence.

Acts 5:12-16
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

¹² Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s portico. ¹³ None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them. ¹⁴ Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were added to them. ¹⁵ Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them. ¹⁶ A large number of people from the towns in the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered, bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 12 – “Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. They were all together in Solomon’s portico.”
This verse sets the scene and tone. “Signs and wonders” is biblical shorthand for divine activity, often associated with the prophets and, most especially, Jesus. Now, the apostles act in His name, filled with His Spirit. Solomon’s portico—a part of the Temple complex—was a public, sacred space where teaching occurred. The early Church remains deeply connected to Jewish worship, yet something new is emerging: a bold public witness to Christ.

Verse 13 – “None of the others dared to join them, but the people esteemed them.”
Fear and reverence surround the apostles. “None dared to join” could reflect a holy fear of approaching God’s power unworthily—a theme that will appear again in Acts 5 with the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Yet, the apostles’ integrity and authority elicit deep respect. This reminds us that authentic holiness attracts, even as it challenges.

Verse 14 – “Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were added to them.”
Despite the fear, the Church is growing rapidly. Conversion is not driven by manipulation but by encounter—encounter with the Risen Christ through His body, the Church. Both men and women respond, reflecting the radical inclusivity of the Gospel.

Verse 15 – “Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on one or another of them.”
This is deeply symbolic. In ancient Jewish thought, a person’s shadow was tied to their presence and power. Peter, the rock on which Christ built His Church, becomes a living channel of divine healing. It echoes the miracles of Jesus and foreshadows the sacramental life of the Church, where grace is transmitted through tangible means.

Verse 16 – “A large number of people from the towns in the vicinity of Jerusalem also gathered, bringing the sick and those disturbed by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.”
The Church’s mission is now rippling beyond Jerusalem. Healing, both physical and spiritual, is central. The phrase “they were all cured” shows the fullness of God’s mercy, a fulfillment of the Psalmist’s proclamation: “His mercy endures forever.” This is not a movement of mere words but of power and healing in Jesus’ name.

Teachings

This passage demonstrates the living continuity of Christ’s mission through the Church. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “In the Church, Christ fulfills and reveals his own mystery as the purpose of God’s plan: ‘to unite all things in him.’” (CCC 772). The apostles’ ministry is not their own—it is Christ’s, extended through them. Their signs and wonders are not magic tricks, but manifestations of God’s saving presence. This power, given through the Holy Spirit, continues today in the sacraments and the communion of the faithful.

St. John Chrysostom, reflecting on the power of the early Church, wrote: “Do you see the power of the Crucified One? For it is no longer a mortal man that does these things; they are the works of Him who is risen.” The miracles performed by the apostles were not simply affirmations of divine authority—they were tangible expressions of God’s mercy breaking into a broken world. As St. Irenaeus reminds us: “Where the Church is, there is the Spirit of God; and where the Spirit of God is, there is the Church and all grace.” This reading reinforces that the Church is not a human institution with divine aspirations—it is a divine institution with human cooperation.

Historically, these events helped solidify the identity and credibility of the early Christian community amid persecution and skepticism. The power of Peter’s shadow is especially striking because it reflects the primacy given to him by Christ in The Gospel of Matthew: “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18). That Petrine authority and grace-filled leadership continues today in the successors of the apostles—the bishops—and most especially in the Pope, the Bishop of Rome.

Reflection

In a world still burdened by suffering, spiritual confusion, and division, this reading calls us to remember that Christ is alive—and His Church is the vessel of His healing and peace. Are we bringing our brokenness to Him, trusting that even His shadow—His smallest touch—can restore us? Do we believe that the same Spirit who moved in the apostles is moving in us today? This passage invites us to deepen our reverence for the Church—not just as an institution, but as the living body of Christ, radiant with His power. Let us walk with courage, like the early believers, confident that the Risen Lord continues to move through His Church, bringing healing to those who believe and hope in Him.

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24

The Cry of Victory

Psalm 118 is one of the most triumphal and messianic psalms in the entire Psalter, traditionally sung during Passover and deeply rooted in the worship of ancient Israel. It celebrates deliverance from death and the enduring mercy of God. As part of the Hallel (Psalms 113–118), it would have been sung by Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper, making it profoundly personal and prophetic. In the light of the Resurrection, the Church sees this psalm fulfilled in Christ—the rejected stone who becomes the cornerstone of salvation. It echoes and reinforces today’s theme: the transforming power of faith in the Risen Christ and the mission that flows from it. The community of the redeemed now joins in the eternal cry: “His mercy endures forever”—a refrain of Easter joy and apostolic boldness.

Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

² Let Israel say:
    his mercy endures forever.
³ Let the house of Aaron say,
    his mercy endures forever.
⁴ Let those who fear the Lord say,
    his mercy endures forever.

¹³ I was hard pressed and falling,
    but the Lord came to my help.
¹⁴ The Lord, my strength and might,
    has become my savior.

¹⁵ The joyful shout of deliverance
    is heard in the tents of the righteous:
“The Lord’s right hand works valiantly;

²² The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
²³ By the Lord has this been done;
    it is wonderful in our eyes.
²⁴ This is the day the Lord has made;
    let us rejoice in it and be glad.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 2 – “Let Israel say: his mercy endures forever.”
The psalmist begins by calling the entire nation of Israel to proclaim the constancy of God’s mercy. This is a communal testimony, rooted in the collective memory of deliverance—from Egypt, from exile, and now, for Christians, from sin and death. The phrase “endures forever” speaks not only to God’s mercy in time, but to His eternal faithfulness.

Verse 3 – “Let the house of Aaron say, his mercy endures forever.”
Now the priestly class is summoned. As intercessors of the people, their proclamation signifies that God’s mercy is intimately tied to worship and sacrifice. Through Christ, the Eternal High Priest, this mercy is now fully revealed in the sacrifice of the Cross—once for all.

Verse 4 – “Let those who fear the Lord say, his mercy endures forever.”
The call now includes all God-fearers, including Gentiles who revere the God of Israel. The universality of God’s mercy is declared. In Christ, this expansion is complete: salvation is offered to all nations. The Church, made up of every tribe and tongue, continues this chorus of gratitude.

Verse 13 – “I was hard pressed and falling, but the Lord came to my help.”
This personal testimony cuts to the heart. Suffering, persecution, or even sin may push us to the brink, yet the Lord intervenes. The Hebrew word used here for “help” is azar, a term often used in the Psalms to describe divine rescue. In the context of Easter, this verse resonates with the Passion: Christ was “pressed” in Gethsemane and on Calvary, but the Father raised Him in glory.

Verse 14 – “The Lord, my strength and might, has become my savior.”
This is a direct quote from Exodus 15:2, the song of victory at the Red Sea. By recalling this line, the psalmist links God’s past acts of deliverance with present salvation. The early Church applies this triumph language to the Resurrection: Christ’s strength overcomes death, and He becomes the Savior not just of Israel, but of the world.

Verse 15 – “The joyful shout of deliverance is heard in the tents of the righteous: ‘The Lord’s right hand works valiantly.’”
This image of “tents” recalls Israel’s time in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters yet sustained by divine providence. The “right hand” is a biblical symbol of power and blessing. For Christians, this verse finds new meaning in the Resurrection and in the presence of the Risen Christ who continues to work “valiantly” through the Church.

Verse 22 – “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”
This is one of the most quoted Old Testament verses in the New Testament. Jesus Himself applies it to His Passion and Resurrection in The Gospel of Matthew 21:42. Though rejected by the religious leaders, He becomes the foundation of the new covenant. The cornerstone supports and aligns the structure—Christ is now that spiritual foundation.

Verse 23 – “By the Lord has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.”
God’s ways are often paradoxical. The rejected becomes the exalted. The crucified becomes the glorified. This verse invites awe. The term “wonderful” in Hebrew (niflaot) refers not to something merely impressive but to divine wonders that demand reverence. The Resurrection is not just an event; it is a divine act that reshapes history.

Verse 24 – “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.”
This verse has become a favorite Easter refrain. It refers to the “day” of salvation—the day of the Lord’s victory over death. It is not only a historical moment but a daily spiritual reality. Every day lived in the light of the Resurrection is cause for rejoicing.

Teachings

The Catechism of the Catholic Church illuminates the significance of the Psalms in the life of the Church: “The Psalms nourish and express the prayer of the People of God… They are a treasury of prayer and a school of prayer.” (CCC 2587). Psalm 118 teaches us to pray with confidence in God’s enduring mercy and victorious love. Its liturgical use in Easter underscores that salvation is not an abstract doctrine, but a concrete, joyful reality lived in community and proclaimed with boldness.

St. Augustine, commenting on Psalm 118, reflects: “Christ is the stone rejected by you builders, but made the cornerstone by the Lord. He is the day the Lord has made, and it is fitting that we rejoice and be glad in it. He is the light who conquers the night.” This profound interpretation ties the Resurrection to the dawn of a new day—literally and spiritually. The Church Fathers consistently saw this psalm as a messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, who brings about the definitive Exodus from sin.

In Church history, this psalm has been recited at key moments of thanksgiving, triumph, and new beginnings—from liturgical feasts to personal devotions. Its use during the Easter Octave is particularly meaningful. It becomes not just a song of past deliverance but a present anthem of faith. The joy of the Resurrection is not merely emotional—it is theological, grounded in the saving action of God in Christ.

Reflection

This psalm reminds us that no matter how pressed or rejected we feel, God’s mercy is enduring, and His victory is certain. Do we turn to Him in our moments of weakness, proclaiming with faith that He is our Savior? Do we see each new day as “the day the Lord has made”? In a culture that often builds its foundation on shifting values, we are invited to anchor our lives on the cornerstone—Christ crucified and risen. Let us not be silent. Let our homes, like those “tents of the righteous,” echo with songs of deliverance, as we join the psalmist in crying out: “His mercy endures forever!”

Second Reading – Revelation 1:9–13, 17–19

Unveiled Glory

The Book of Revelation is often misunderstood as a cryptic text of doom, but at its heart, it is a book of hope. Written by the Apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos, Revelation is a prophetic vision given “on the Lord’s Day”—what we now call Sunday. John was exiled for preaching the Gospel, a reflection of the early Church’s suffering under Roman persecution. Yet even in his isolation, John is drawn into a vision of the glorified Christ and His Church. The purpose of the book is not to instill fear but to reveal Christ’s lordship over history and to strengthen the Church for perseverance. This passage speaks powerfully to our theme today: faith in the Risen Christ and the mission that flows from it. As John beholds the risen Jesus—radiant, victorious, and alive forever—he receives both comfort and a command: to write what he sees, so that all the faithful may know that Christ holds the keys to death and life.

Revelation 1:9-13, 17-19
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

⁹ I, John, your brother, who share with you the distress, the kingdom, and the endurance we have in Jesus, found myself on the island called Patmos because I proclaimed God’s word and gave testimony to Jesus. ¹⁰ I was caught up in spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet, ¹¹ which said, “Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.” ¹² Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands ¹³ and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, wearing an ankle-length robe, with a gold sash around his chest.

¹⁷ When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead. He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last, ¹⁸ the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld. ¹⁹ Write down, therefore, what you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards.

Detailed Exegesis

Verse 9 – “I, John, your brother, who share with you the distress, the kingdom, and the endurance we have in Jesus, found myself on the island called Patmos because I proclaimed God’s word and gave testimony to Jesus.”
John identifies himself not as a distant prophet, but as “your brother.” He is united with the Christian community in suffering, hope, and fidelity. Patmos was a Roman penal colony, and John’s exile underscores the cost of discipleship. His mention of “distress, kingdom, and endurance” points to the present reality of suffering and the simultaneous truth of God’s reign—a paradox that only faith can reconcile.

Verse 10 – “I was caught up in spirit on the Lord’s day and heard behind me a voice as loud as a trumpet.”
This “Lord’s Day” is the first explicit Christian reference to Sunday worship, emphasizing the centrality of the Resurrection. Being “caught up in spirit” signals a prophetic state, akin to Ezekiel or Daniel. The trumpet’s sound indicates divine revelation and summons attention. What follows is not a private vision, but a message for the Church.

Verse 11 – “Which said, ‘Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.’”
John is commissioned to be a prophetic scribe. These seven churches represent real Christian communities in Asia Minor, but they also symbolize the universal Church in all ages. This instruction links the mystical vision with practical pastoral care: God speaks to His people in history.

Verse 12 – “Then I turned to see whose voice it was that spoke to me, and when I turned, I saw seven gold lampstands.”
The lampstands symbolize the churches (as confirmed in Revelation 1:20). Gold signifies their sacred identity, and the imagery echoes the menorah in the Temple, now fulfilled in the radiant presence of the Church bearing the light of Christ to the world.

Verse 13 – “And in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, wearing an ankle-length robe, with a gold sash around his chest.”
The title “Son of Man” recalls Daniel 7 and is a direct reference to Jesus, both divine and human. The long robe and gold sash reflect priestly and royal dignity. Christ walks among His churches—not distant, but present and majestic. This vision reveals the glorified Jesus who remains actively engaged with His people.

Verse 17 – “When I caught sight of him, I fell down at his feet as though dead. He touched me with his right hand and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the first and the last.’”
John’s reaction is one of awe and holy fear, similar to encounters with angels in Scripture. Jesus’ touch and words bring reassurance. “First and last” is a divine title from Isaiah, affirming Jesus’ divinity and eternal nature. He is the Alpha and the Omega, Lord over time and history.

Verse 18 – “The one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld.”
Here is the heart of Easter: the Risen Christ proclaims His victory over death. His resurrection is not temporary, but eternal. The “keys” signify authority—He has dominion even over death and hell. This verse offers profound consolation to a persecuted Church: death is no longer the final word.

Verse 19 – “Write down, therefore, what you have seen, and what is happening, and what will happen afterwards.”
Christ reaffirms John’s role as a witness. His testimony will span past, present, and future. This passage reminds us that prophecy is not mere prediction—it is a proclamation of God’s ongoing work in history. The Church is called to read the signs of the times through the lens of Christ’s lordship.

Teachings

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The Resurrection above all constitutes the confirmation of all Christ’s works and teachings, and fulfills the promises both of the Old Testament and of Jesus himself.” (CCC 651). This vision in Revelation brings that truth into sharp focus. The glorified Christ is not only risen—He reigns. This is the cornerstone of Christian hope. Even amid persecution, the faithful are reminded that Christ holds ultimate authority and that death has been conquered.

St. Gregory the Great, reflecting on this passage, wrote: “What is this that John saw if not the very majesty of the Risen Lord? And why did he fall as if dead, if not to teach us that no man can look upon the divine glory and live—unless he is first touched by the mercy of Christ?” The fact that Jesus touches John before speaking is a beautiful image of how grace precedes revelation. We must be transformed by God’s love before we can understand His truth.

Historically, this reading was deeply meaningful for early Christians facing martyrdom. The image of Christ walking among the lampstands reminded them that they were not abandoned. As Tertullian wrote, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” John’s vision assures the Church that Christ is not only victorious but present—His glorified body still bears the wounds of love, and He still speaks peace into every fear.

Reflection

This passage is a powerful antidote to fear and despair. Do we believe that Jesus is walking among us today, in the midst of our churches, our sufferings, our uncertainties? Can we fall at His feet like John and allow ourselves to be touched by His reassuring hand? The Risen Christ is not absent from our struggles. He is glorified, alive, and holding the keys to all that frightens us. Let us trust in His divine authority, live with the courage of those who know death has been defeated, and, like John, bear faithful witness to what we have seen and believed.

Holy Gospel – John 20:19–31

Wounds and Wonder

The Gospel of John is unique among the four Gospels in its deeply theological and symbolic language. Today’s passage occurs on the evening of the Resurrection and one week later, setting the scene for the Risen Jesus to reveal Himself not only to the fearful but also to the doubtful. Written to both strengthen faith and invite belief, this Gospel aims for a personal encounter with Christ. The first disciples had locked themselves away, gripped by fear and confusion, yet the glorified Lord passes through barriers—both physical and spiritual—to bring peace. He breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and institutes the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This moment of commissioning mirrors the creation account in Genesis, where God breathes life into Adam. It also establishes the Church’s ongoing mission to forgive sins and extend Christ’s peace. The story of Thomas further reinforces our central theme: faith in the Risen Christ and the mission that flows from it. Even in doubt, Jesus meets us with mercy, calling forth a deeper faith that leads to life.

John 20:19-31
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

¹⁹ On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” ²⁰ When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. ²¹ [Jesus] said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” ²² And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit. ²³ Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas. ²⁴ Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” ²⁶ Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” ²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” ²⁸ Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Conclusion. ³⁰ Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of [his] disciples that are not written in this book. ³¹ But these are written that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.

Verse 19 – “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”
The first day of the week—Sunday—becomes the day of new creation and the foundation of Christian worship. The locked doors signify both physical protection and the disciples’ spiritual fear. Yet Jesus enters without impediment, showing His glorified body is no longer bound by natural limitations. His greeting—“Peace be with you”—is not a mere sentiment. It is a divine declaration that echoes the Hebrew shalom: total well-being, reconciliation, and restoration.

Verse 20 – “When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.”
Jesus shows them His wounds—not as signs of defeat but of glory. These marks become proof of His identity and love. The disciples’ fear turns into joy, fulfilling His promise in John 16:22: “You will grieve, but your grief will become joy.”

Verse 21 – “[Jesus] said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’”
This repetition of peace affirms its importance. Jesus commissions the disciples just as He was sent: with divine authority and for a divine mission. The Church is now entrusted with carrying the peace and truth of the Resurrection into the world.

Verse 22 – “And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the holy Spirit.’”
This action recalls Genesis 2:7: “Then the Lord God formed the man and blew into his nostrils the breath of life.” Here, Jesus breathes the new life of the Spirit into His apostles, making them new creations. This is the Johannine Pentecost, where the Risen Christ gives His Church the power to continue His saving work.

Verse 23 – “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
This verse institutes the Sacrament of Confession. The authority to forgive sins is God’s alone, yet Christ gives it to His apostles as a sacred trust. This divine delegation continues in the priesthood today. The Catechism affirms: “The Church possesses the power to forgive sins through the ministry of bishops and priests.” (CCC 986)

Verse 24 – “Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.”
Thomas’ absence symbolizes the loneliness and danger of isolation from the community. Though a faithful follower, his doubt emerges from separation. His journey reminds us of the importance of communal faith and presence.

Verse 25 – “So the other disciples said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’”
Thomas voices the human demand for proof. His condition for belief may sound bold, but it opens the door for Jesus to reveal the depths of divine mercy. He is not rebuked for asking—he is invited deeper.

Verse 26 – “Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, ‘Peace be with you.’”
The repetition of timing—“a week later”—signals the liturgical rhythm of Christian worship. Again, Christ enters through locked doors and greets them with “Peace”. He meets Thomas where he is.

Verse 27 – “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.’”
Jesus responds to Thomas’ need with tenderness and truth. He does not shame him; He invites him. The wounds become an invitation to faith. This is the mercy of the Risen Christ: intimate, personal, and transformative.

Verse 28 – “Thomas answered and said to him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”
This is the highest Christological confession in the Gospels. Thomas moves from doubt to worship, proclaiming Jesus not only as Messiah but as divine. This moment fulfills the very purpose of John’s Gospel: to lead people to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.

Verse 29 – “Jesus said to him, ‘Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.’”
This beatitude is directed to all future believers—those who will not see Jesus physically but will encounter Him through the Word, the Eucharist, and the Church. Faith is not lesser for being unseen; it is praised as blessed.

Verse 30 – “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of [his] disciples that are not written in this book.”
John acknowledges the abundance of signs Jesus performed. The written Gospel is not exhaustive, but it is sufficient for salvation. It is crafted to inspire belief.

Verse 31 – “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name.”
Here is the Gospel’s mission statement. It is not simply a historical account but a living word meant to awaken faith and give life. Belief is not intellectual assent alone—it is trust in the person of Jesus.

Teachings

The Catechism of the Catholic Church declares: “By his Resurrection, Jesus opens for us the way to a new life. Justification consists in both victory over the death caused by sin and a new participation in grace.” (CCC 654). This Gospel passage vividly portrays this new life: peace, forgiveness, and mission. The encounter with the Risen Lord is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of the Church’s apostolic witness.

St. Gregory the Great, meditating on Thomas’ transformation, wrote: “The disbelief of Thomas has done more for our faith than the faith of the other disciples. As he touches Christ and is won over to belief, every doubt is cast aside, and our faith is strengthened.” This shows how God’s mercy uses even our doubts to deepen our relationship with Him. The glorified wounds of Christ remain eternally visible, not as reminders of pain, but as signs of His love.

This passage also forms the foundation of the Church’s ministry of reconciliation. As CCC 976 states: “The Church, following the apostles, has always professed that after Baptism, the sacrament of Penance is necessary for the forgiveness of grave sins.” The Risen Lord entrusts the apostles with this gift, and through them, the priest continues Christ’s mission today. The wounds of Christ become the source of our healing.

Reflection

This Gospel invites us to a deeply personal encounter with Jesus. What locked doors exist in your heart? Where is He trying to speak peace to you today? Do you bring your doubts, like Thomas, into prayer, trusting He will meet you there? Christ’s wounds are not closed; they remain open to receive us. His peace is not temporary; it is eternal. His mercy is not earned; it is given. Let us live with the courage of those who have not seen, yet believe. Let us fall before Him like Thomas and say from the depth of our hearts: “My Lord and my God!”

Living in the Light of the Risen One

Today’s readings form a beautiful tapestry of faith, healing, and mission—all rooted in the living presence of the Risen Christ. From the miraculous signs in Acts, to the joyful proclamation in Psalm 118, to the glorious vision in Revelation, and the intimate encounter with Christ in The Gospel of John, we are reminded that the Resurrection is not merely a moment in history—it is a divine reality that continues to unfold in the life of the Church and in the hearts of believers.

The early Church bore witness to the risen Jesus not just with words, but with power, unity, and healing. Their joy echoed the psalmist’s cry: “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice in it and be glad.” John’s vision on Patmos affirms that even in the darkest exile, Christ walks among His people, radiant and victorious. And Thomas, doubting yet desiring, receives not only proof but an invitation to deeper faith—one that culminates in the timeless declaration: “My Lord and my God!” Each reading beckons us to recognize that belief in the Resurrection is not passive. It calls us to live boldly, love deeply, and proclaim joyfully that Jesus is alive.

What locked doors in your life need to be opened to Christ’s peace? Where are you being called to witness to His mercy? The Risen Lord meets us where we are—in fear, in doubt, in longing—and sends us forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. Let us not remain behind closed doors. Let us go out, like the apostles, proclaiming the good news with our lives. And may our hearts, like the psalmist’s, cry out each day with confidence and wonder: “His mercy endures forever!”

Engage with Us!

We’d love to hear how today’s readings spoke to your heart. Share your thoughts, questions, or personal experiences in the comments below! Whether you’re reflecting quietly or discussing in community, know that your voice matters and your faith journey is sacred. Dive into the questions below, take them to prayer, and let them guide you closer to the heart of Jesus.

First Reading – Acts 5:12–16
How does this passage challenge or inspire your view of the Church today? Where have you seen or experienced God’s healing power in your own life or in your community? Do you believe the Holy Spirit is still working signs and wonders through the Church today? Why or why not?

Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 118:2–4, 13–15, 22–24
What does “His mercy endures forever” mean to you personally? Have you ever had a moment when you felt hard pressed and the Lord came to your help? How can you make each day “the day the Lord has made” and live with rejoicing and gladness?

Second Reading – Revelation 1:9–13, 17–19
How does the vision of the glorified Christ encourage you in your struggles or trials? Do you feel called to bear witness to Christ even when it’s hard? Where might you be holding back? What would it look like for you to live each day with the awareness that Jesus walks among His people?

Holy Gospel – John 20:19–31
What locked doors in your heart do you need Jesus to enter through today? How do you respond to Thomas’ journey from doubt to faith? Can you relate to his desire for proof? Have you truly embraced Jesus’ words: “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed”?

May your faith be bold, your love sincere, and your hope rooted in the truth that Jesus is risen and walks with you always. Let your life be a witness to His mercy. Go forth in peace, and do everything with the love and joy that only the Risen Christ can give.

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