Message for Meditation and Reflection (Sunday, April 12, 2026)

Message for Meditation and Reflection

In the reading from Acts, the writer draws on Peter’s sermon to those who were witnessing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Peter wanted those who had doubt in their hearts to know that Jesus was the true Messiah which His resurrection confirms. Peter tells them the resurrection is also true for it had been spoken of long ago in Old Testament writings. In the first Peter letter, the writer encourages believers in Christ to hold firm to the faith in which they believe. Though they are being persecuted now, it will only show they are genuine followers of Christ and those who hold firm will in the end gain the victory. As a result of Christ been raised from the dead, they have become inheritors of the living hope of an eternal life with God.

In the gospel reading, Jesus’ disciples are by themselves, this following his crucifixion and messages that he had been raised from the dead. As they were conversing with each other Jesus entered their space proclaiming peace over them. Jesus’ word of peace was to comfort their troubled hearts. As He breathed upon them and charged them to go into the world to bear witness to his resurrection, he assured them of His peace. God’s peace would be with them as they continue in faithful witness to the good news of Jesus.

One of the things that John emphasizes in this narration regarding the resurrection is the peace that accompanies it. To believe in the resurrection is to receive the peace of God. The disciples are by themselves, given all of what took place after the death of Jesus. Jesus enters the room and declares His peace over them. The disciples were filled with great joy as Jesus made Himself known to them. Jesus declares the peace of God over them a second time as he is about to commission them to go forth as His disciples in the world. Thomas was not with the other disciples when Jesus had appeared to them, thus refusing to believe their testimony unless he was able to see Jesus for himself. A week later Jesus appeared to them, this time in the company of Thomas and offered the disciples His peace once more. Jesus gave Thomas the opportunity to touch Him, but later declared that those who do not see yet believe will be blessed. Such persons express a greater level of faith in God, having heard and trusted the testimony of those who witnessed His resurrection.