Eastertide: Peace

John 20:19-31

Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church from the Gospel of John:

19 In the evening of that same day, the first day of the week, the doors were locked in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Temple authorities. Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20 Having said this, the savior showed them the marks of crucifixion. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw Jesus, 21 who said to them again, “Peace be with you. As Abba God sent me, so I’m sending you.” 22 After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven.

If you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.” 24 It happened that one of the Twelve, Thomas—nicknamed Didymus, or “Twin”—was absent when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples kept telling him, “We’ve seen Jesus!” Thomas’ answer was, “I’ll never believe it without putting my finger in the nail marks and my hand into the spear wound.” 26 On the eighth day, the disciples were once more in the room, and this time Thomas was with them. Despite the locked doors, Jesus came and stood before them, saying, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then, to Thomas, Jesus said, “Take your finger and examine my hands. Put your hand into my side. Don’t persist in your unbelief, but believe!” 28 Thomas said in response, “My Savior and my God!” 29 Jesus then said, “You’ve become a believer because you saw me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 Jesus performed many other signs as well—signs not recorded here—in the presence of the disciples. 31 But these have been recorded to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Only Begotten, so that by believing you may have life in Jesus’ Name.

This is the word of the Lord.         Thanks be to God