“Peace be with you.”  I’m always amazed how certain words or phrases or images immediately capture my attention when I read Scripture.  I often feel like God knows just what I need to hear and when.  The readings today are about belief and faith.  Indeed, in John’s Gospel for today, Jesus says to “doubting” Thomas, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?  Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”  Yet, it was Jesus’ multiple greetings of “Peace be with you” that washed over me in today’s Gospel.  I don’t know about you, but I’m yearning for more peace during this Easter season. 

In this year of pandemic, loss, and uncertainty around the world, and racial hate and unrest, incivility, and political vitriol throughout the United States, faith in many of our institutions and leaders has been shaken or lost. 

This Easter season invites us to bear witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and to receive his Divine Mercy during this threshold time.  As we bear witness in our own way, may Jesus’ peace be with us.