Focusing the Gospel
Key words and phrases: Jesus came, peace be with you, I send you, forgive, Thomas, I will not believe, Jesus came, believe
Connecting the Gospel …To the point: In face of Thomas's obstinate unbelief, Jesus is remarkably serene and understanding when he returns a week later and meets Thomas where he is. Jesus incarnates the Peace with which he greets the disciples and manifests forgiveness in his encounter with Thomas. He sends disciples forth With firsthand experience of the ministry with which he entrusts them: grant- ing forgiveness and spreading peace.
… to the Second Reading: The Second Reading spells out in more detail what believing in the risen Jesus enables us to do: love God and others, obey God's commandments, and conquer the world.
… to experience: Anyone living in family or community knows the experience of forgiveness both given and received. They also know the peace such forgiveness engenders.
