Commentaries

Second Sunday of Easter – Year A

The Presence that Brings Peace

The disciples hide behind closed doors “for fear of the Jews.” This happens, as the Gospel writer makes it a point to tell us, “on the evening of that[1] first day of the week” (20:19). That was the same day on which Mary of Magdala had gone to the tomb, seen the Risen Lord and returned to tell the disciples, “I have seen the Lord” (In fact, that event is recorded just a verse earlier in the same chapter). That was the same day on which Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved had gone to the tomb. Moreover, we are told that the other disciple “saw and believed” (20:8). And yet, they have now locked themselves up in fear.

The locked doors could not prevent Jesus from entering (“an indication of his victory over the limitations that human circumstances would impose”).[2] To the fearful disciples, the Risen Lord comes and assures them, “Peace be with you.” His presence and his words bring them joy and peace. He then breaths on them the Spirit and they now can be sent forth to proclaim the news of the Resurrection. The fearful disciples are transformed simply by the visit of the Risen Christ.

The Risen Christ still visits us in the same manners, in his words and his Presence. And the peace that his presence brings transforms us.

The experience of Thomas shows us another place where the Risen Lord is present. For Thomas, leaving the community of the disciples may have been his way of coping with the grief caused by the death of Jesus.[3] While he is away, the Lord comes to the community of disciples. When Thomas returns from his absence, his sorrows have not lessened; and worse, he has missed the encounter with the Risen Lord. “Things can happen to us within the fellowship of Christ’s Church which will not happen when we are alone.”[4] It is in the midst of the community that Thomas later meets the Risen Lord, and his faith so strengthened that he can profess, “My Lord and my God” (20:28).

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[1] Stress is mine.

[2] Moloney, Francis, S.D.B. The Gospel of John. Sacra Pagina series. Liturgical Press, 1998, p. 531.

[3] Barclay, William. The Gospel of John, Vol. 2. The Daily Study Bible Series. Westminster Press, 1975. p. 275.

[4] Ibid., 276.