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53. Jesus visits his Disciples.

The disciples were sitting together that evening, and the doors were locked for fear of the Jews. But what were they talking about but their Lord and Master and the empty tomb and the testimony, and how much they wanted to see him for themselves and talk to him, so that they could be really confident and happy? Then suddenly the Risen One stood among them in his familiar, dear form and greeted them with the beautiful words: “Peace be with you!” But they were terrified. For they felt as if a spirit had appeared to them. Jesus came closer to them and showed them his side and his hands and reassured them: “It is I myself,” he said; “touch me! A spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see in me.” Yes, he ate a fish and some honeycomb with them. Then the disciples were glad to see the Lord. That was Holy Easter Sunday, which is still celebrated with joy and hope in all Christian churches every year in the spring, when the first seeds emerge from the earth and also hold their resurrection, so to speak. Death is transformed into life, into victory. Thanks be to God, who has given us the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Thomas was not present when the Lord appeared to the disciples. When he came to them, they cried out to him with joy: “We have seen the Lord.” Thomas did not believe them. He replied: “Unless I feel with my hands the wounds on his body, I will not believe it.” After eight days they were together again, the doors were locked and Thomas was with them. It was as if they were waiting to see if he would come again at the same time. He came again and said to Thomas, “Reach out your fingers and touch my wounds, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.” When Thomas realized that it was Jesus, he said to him with joyful delight, “My Lord and my God!” But Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, Thomas, you believe. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”

All those who have never seen Jesus Christ and yet love and believe in him, even though they do not see him, will one day rejoice like Thomas with joy unspeakable and full of glory.