today's readings are Acts 4: 32-35; Psalm 118 : 1 John 1 John 5: 1-6 and John 20: 19-31
“Peace be with you”. Up to that moment, the disciples knew no peace – the doors were locked, they were scared – scared of the authorities had Jesus put to death. They are also in shock at His horrible death. There they are, with their world turned upside down.
And then Jesus shows up and says, “Peace be with you”.
It was a peace for their fears, and to comfort and reassure them.
Next, they receive the Holy Spirit - for the forgiveness of sins. Because there is a whole lot of forgiving that going to be needed – from Jesus, for each other, and in the centuries to come, within the Christian community.
How did they now feel? Relieved, grateful, and joyful.
But Thomas is not there – they tell him later what has happened – but he won’t believe them – dear ol' doubting Thomas.
But I have always wondered, why wasn’t Thomas there? We don’t know – the gospel doesn’t tell us.
Some years ago, I asked that question to a very wise nun. She gave an answer that I think is “bang on” – she said that Thomas wasn’t there because he was full of shame. Shame about what he has done – shame about what the others have done. Think about it, they walked with Him, broke bread with Him, learned from Him. But in His hour of need what did they do? Other than John, they all fled. During His suffering, passion and death they betrayed Him, they denied Him, and they deserted Him. When the going got tough – they got going. They let Jesus down – Thomas realizes this, and he is filled with shame.
Have you ever betrayed someone or really let them down? And afterwards you think that what you did is so bad you don’t want to even face that person – there’s no way you can look them in the eye. And if you do meet them, you are fearful about how they are going to react to you. Are they going to yell at you, hit you, give you the cold shoulder – and will they ever forgive you? That gives you an idea as to how Thomas might have been feeling.
After what they have done to Jesus, Thomas can’t conceive that Jesus would want to have anything to do with them – hence his disbelief when he was told that Jesus appeared to them.
Jesus comes back one more time – and says “Peace be with you”. He knows Thomas needs peace. And then He presents his wounds to Thomas – the very visible signs of what brings such shame to Thomas. But Jesus doesn’t angrily stick His wounds in Thomas’ face, but does so in forgiveness. Peace be with you – Thomas, don’t hang your head in shame - I forgive you – I love you. You are Mine.
Peace be with you. Jesus says that to every single one of us today.
Where do you need peace in your life – maybe in a relationship that needs mending because of something bad that has been said or done – or maybe because of your fears - for fears for the future – fears about your health, your job – fears about a friendship - just like the disciples, just like Thomas, we all need peace – in our world, our communities, in our lives.
Jesus offers us His peace. A peace that says – I am never going to leave you, I will never desert you. Yes, as humans, each one of us can desert Him, but He, He will never desert you. And even if you are at a point in your life where you don’t like yourself or don’t love yourself, remember this - Jesus never stops loving you – and not just the good you. He loves ALL of you.
Peace be with you. That peace He offers to us? It’s a peace of endless love and divine mercy. That is what we celebrate this Sunday.