Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting. — Psalm 118:1

Mass readings: Acts 4:32-35 / 1 John 5:1-6 / John 20:19-31 

Prince of Peace 

Reading the newspapers is an exercise in sadness. War disrupts nations and conflict ruptures societies but I’m in no position to say “tsk, tsk.” My own loving family has its own conflicts. This sister is angry with that one. Or this adult child is annoyed with our parents. We can be a fractious family. As someone once said, “Is there any kind of family other than a dysfunctional one?” 

In today’s Gospel, after His resurrection Jesus appears to the disciples who are cowering behind locked doors. “Peace be with you,” He tells them. Peace, indeed. We all need peace. Jesus understands the human condition. Being who He is, He also understands that only His love and grace can rescue us from our own sin and fallibility. 

Prayer: Dear God, for the sake of Christ’s sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.