Today’s Gospel comes in two parts. On Easter evening, Jesus says to the disciples, “Peace be with you.” He shows them His hands and feet. Peace is in the wounds of Christ. “We have seen the Lord,” the disciples exclaim. Yet, Thomas missed it. “Unless I see in His hands and mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into His side, I will never believe.”

Today, the octave evening, Jesus comes again and says, “Peace be with you.” Peace is good, comforting, happiness, and well-being. Peace in the midst of horrible things. Jesus said He would rise — look and see my hands and side. “Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered Him, “My Lord and my God!” His belief is coupled with proof of the promise. Jesus has kept His Word.Our faith is not an empty faith that believes in empty words. God’s Word of promise is coupled with testimony and signs, the Word of the eyewitnesses and the testimony of the Spirit, water, and the blood.