By Fr. John Brobbey
The gospel from John 20:19-31 presents the three-fold peace of Jesus Christ after his resurrection from the dead. Peace is sometimes defined as the absence of war but the peace Jesus gives is not as the world gives. The first fruit of the resurrection is peace freely offered by Jesus whose death and resurrection led sinful humanity from the door of destruction and total hopelessness into eternal life and everlasting joy.
Jesus stood in their midst even though the doors were locked FOR FEAR OF THE JEWS. He said, Peace be with you. Then he showed them his hands and his side. Jesus could have resurrected without the marks of the nails. This was to prove to his disciples that he is back to life after his suffering, crucifixion, death, and burial. If death could not hold him captive, then his disciples and all who believe in him do not have to be afraid. The worst the world can do to us is to take our lives.
Secondly, he breathed on them and said receive the Holy Spirit. Those whose sins you forgive are forgiven and those whose sins you retain, are retained. The second peace comes through the forgiveness of our sins. The peace we find in confession is incomprehensible. Are you anxious? Are you restless? Do you have sleepless nights? God could be calling you to the sacrament of reconciliation, for blessed are those whose sins are forgiven. (Psalm 32:1) Mercy speaks louder than any mess and the greater the sinner, the greater the mercy.
The last peace is given the following week while Thomas is present. In his absence, Jesus appeared and argued that he would not believe until he saw him and put his finger in the mark of the nails. In the priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17, he prayed that the disciples may be one. Peace cannot be found when the disciples are divided. The last peace comes when the disciples are united in mind and heart in witnessing the resurrection of Christ. Happy Easter and Peace be upon you.