Third Sunday of Easter – 14th April 2024
Jesus continues to appear to his friends and followers. We can only imagine that they are still trying to get over the shock and disappointment of seeing him die on the cross. Now they are also trying to come to terms with the rumours they are hearing from others that Jesus has risen from the dead and is in fact alive again.
Once again, Jesus appears to them. This time he appears to them and greets them with the great prayer, ‘Peace be with you.’ But they are overcome with fear and panic. Jesus notices this and clearly names it when he asks, ‘Why are so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts?’ In fairness, they have every right to be agitated and full of doubt. Only a few days before they had seen their master and close friend betrayed, denied, condemned, beaten, crucified and buried. Now here he is standing before them and speaking very clearly to them!