These are quick thoughts. Today we hear the story of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples in their room. Three times Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” He offers them peace, when he had every right to be upset. This shows his mercy. Peter had rejected him three times. Only one of the disciples was at the foot of the cross. None of them would stay up and pray with him the night of his arrest. He could have been made, but he offers peace, something unexpected, something merciful, love.
Thomas asks to see the wounds of Christ in order to believe. This story provides one explanation why God allows bad things to happen to good people. It is through the wounds that Thomas believes. Despite the wounds, despite Christ’s death, here Jesus was, standing before him. Alive and loving, Jesus was offering his friendship to Thomas again. This is something that converts people; it converted Thomas from being hard of heart to believing. When we can stand again with our wounds, alive, and loving; this is proof of the power and existence of God in his believers. It is difficult to recover from the sins of others and our own sins, but as Christians, there is every hope that even with our wounds, we can return to life and to a life of forgiveness, peace, and love. Thank God for his wonderful work of mercy.