The appearance to the disciples in Jerusalem

THE disciples of Jesus recounted what had taken place on the way and how he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. While they were still speaking about this, he stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and terrified and thought that they were seeing a ghost. Then he said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do questions arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While they were still incredulous for joy and were amazed, he asked them, “Have you anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of baked fish; he took it and ate it in front of them. He said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and in the prophets and psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said to them, “Thus it is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day and that repentance, for the forgiveness of sins, would be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”

REFLECTION YOU ARE WITNESSES OF THESE THINGS. The Gospel is a continuation of yesterday’s Gospel. The disciples have come to Jerusalem and told the other disciples of their experience with the risen Lord. When Jesus appears in their midst and greets them, “Peace be with you,” they take him to be a ghost. Jesus has to show to them his hands and feet and invites them to touch him. Even in their joy, the disciples are still disbelieving and confused. Jesus again takes the initiative to ask for something to eat. During the meal, Jesus recalls what he taught them during his public ministry. How easily the disciples have forgotten the words and deeds of Jesus. Jesus has to instruct them time and again. In spite of their slow comprehension of the meaning of the recent events (Jesus’ resurrection and appearances), Jesus commissions them to preach repentance and forgiveness in his name to all nations. Jesus teaches by example; he has forgiven the disciples for their lack of faith with his greeting “Peace be with you.” Peace is the fruit of repentance and forgiveness. Since the disciples have experienced forgiveness, they are now effective messengers of repentance and forgiveness. Humble acceptance of our sinfulness and forgiving those who have hurt us qualify us to become witnesses of the resurrection.