Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

drawing of Jesus sending out the disciples in pairs to preach the Good News

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Mass Readings

Reading 1: Amos 7:12-15
Responsorial: Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
Reading 2: Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10
Gospel: Mark 6:7-13

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071121.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Welcome back for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal, and together we’re going to break open the Word!

I’m today’s 2nd reading, St. Paul tells us how much we are loved. We are like adopted children. We are chosen and beloved. And God wants to lavish his graces upon us!

That is Good News!

But not everyone wants to hear the Good News. You see, accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior means that Jesus is at the center of our lives – not fear or anger or conspiracy theories.

But there are people out there who benefit from fear and mistrust and conspiracy theories. They consider the hope of Jesus Christ as a threat to their way of life.

That what our first reading is about. You see, the prophets of that time were employees of the king. Undoubtedly the message they preached was watered down. The king’s prophets didn’t want to rock the boat.

But Amos says he doesn’t belong to a company of prophets. He was a shepherd and a fruit farmer who was inspired to share God’s message of truth. And the truth was inconvenient for the king. But that didn’t stop Amos.

We see that in today’s Gospel too. Jesus send the disciples out two-by-two to share a message of hope – a message of redemption too a people caught up in doing rather than in being God’s beloved children. But Jesus says not everyone will accept this message.

Who are the modern disciples? Who will bring the message of hope into this world?

My brothers and sisters, by our baptism, each of us are called priest, prophet and king. Today’s Gospel reminds us that we are invited to share the Good News with everyone we encounter. We are called to bring the message of faith, hope and love into a world that desperately needs to hear some Good News!

Homework! Nourished by the Word and the Eucharist, I invite you to reflect on the following two questions.
First, do you allow yourself to feel like a young child, wanted, chosen and blessed?
Second, in what ways can you help others experience the hope of Jesus Christ?

I think doing our homework will help us go out into the world as the missionary disciples we are called to be! Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit. +Amen!

Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image: Artist. Jesus sending out the disciples two-by-two. JPG

Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T. SM. Mark: A Popular Commentary on the Earliest Gospel. Steubenville, Ohio: Franciscan University Press, 1992.
3. Williams, Peter S. Ephesians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2009. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Mission of the apostles: 2, 551, 858-60, 1122
2. God reveals his plan: 50, 257
3. God revealed as Father of the Son: 240
4. God’s gracious plan: 257
5. God’s glory: 293-94
6. Mary as a unique example of being chosen before the foundation of the world: 492
7. Redemption through Christ: 517, 1992
8. The Holy Spirit as God’s guarantee and seal: 693, 698, 706, 1107, 1296
9. Church called to proclaim and bear witness: 737-41
10. Origin and scope of the Church’s mission: 849-56
11. Church as holy and blameless: 865, 1426
12. The fulfillment of God’s plan: 1043
13. Meaning of “blessing:” 1078-79
14. The Spirit as anticipation of fullness: 1107
15. Baptismal anointing with the Spirit: 1241
Baptism as seal: 1272-74
16. The Spirit as seal: 1295-96
17. Confirmation’s effects: 1302-5
18. Anointing of the sick: 1499-523
19. Disciples share in Christ’s healing mission: 1506-159
20. Prayer of praise: 2639
21. Adoption as children in the Son: 2782

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071121.cfm
Lectionary: 104

Reading 1
Amos 7:12-15
Amaziah, priest of Bethel, said to Amos,
“Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!
There earn your bread by prophesying,
but never again prophesy in Bethel;
for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.”
Amos answered Amaziah, “I was no prophet,
nor have I belonged to a company of prophets;
I was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.
The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,
Go, prophesy to my people Israel.”

Responsorial
Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
R. (8) Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD —for he proclaims peace.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and prepare the way of his steps.
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Reading 2
Ephesians 1:3-14 or 1:3-10
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of his grace
that he granted us in the beloved.
In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

In him we were also chosen,
destined in accord with the purpose of the One
who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,
so that we might exist for the praise of his glory,
we who first hoped in Christ.
In him you also, who have heard the word of truth,
the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him,
were sealed with the promised holy Spirit,
which is the first installment of our inheritance
toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.

OR:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in Christ
with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world,
to be holy and without blemish before him.
In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ,
in accord with the favor of his will,
for the praise of the glory of God’s grace
that he granted us in the beloved.

In him we have redemption by his blood,
the forgiveness of transgressions,
in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us.
In all wisdom and insight, he has made known to us
the mystery of his will in accord with his favor
that he set forth in him as a plan for the fullness of times,
to sum up all things in Christ, in heaven and on earth.

Alleluia
Cf. Ephesians 1:17-18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
enlighten the eyes of our hearts,
that we may know what is the hope that
belongs to our call.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 6:7-13
Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two
and gave them authority over unclean spirits.
He instructed them to take nothing for the journey
but a walking stick—
no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
They were, however, to wear sandals
but not a second tunic.
He said to them,
“Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave.
Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you,
leave there and shake the dust off your feet
in testimony against them.”
So they went off and preached repentance.
The Twelve drove out many demons,
and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

the words priest prophet and king appear above an actor playing Moses holding his up to part the Red Sea

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Mass Readings

Reading 1: Ezekiel 2:2-5
Responsorial: Psalm 123:1-4
Reading 2: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070421.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Welcome back for another edition of deacon rudy’s notes! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal, and together we’re going to break open the Word!

Happy Fourth of July!

Today’s readings are so chock full of lessons for us to consider that I found it difficult to settle on a theme. So, in my prayer, I asked Jesus what is he inviting us to.

One of the takeaways from today’s readings is the reminder that all of us, by our baptism, are priest, prophet and king – specifically our role as prophets heralding the Good News of Jesus Christ.

But the road of the prophet is not easy! In fact, our first reading from Ezekiel speaks about one of the challenges prophets face: resistance.

People resist the message of the Good News. Why?

Well, our reading from Ezekiel says that people are rebellious. Now I suppose, as we contemplate our nation’s independence, that it’s not a stretch for us to understand or appreciate the fiercely independent nature of Americans. Ol’ blue eyes sang it: I did it my way! In our culture, we just don’t like people – especially the government – telling us what to do. But in recent times, people even balk at any of the Church’s teachings that are interpreted as placing limits on our individual freedom. Good, bad or ugly, as the reading from Ezekiel tells us, our experience as an independent-minded people isn’t new at all.

So, the people we encounter – even our own family and friends – might not be receptive about hearing the Good News of Jesus Christ. But our Gospel tells us that it’s even worse than that! Jesus’ own neighbors, friends, and family reject Jesus as a prophet. They think they knew everything about him. They refuse to listen to Jesus because he is one of them.

Oy vey!

Now, before we go too far down this path, let’s consider our second reading from Second Corinthians. Paul laments the thorn in his side. We don’t really know what this thorn was. The Church does not offer an official interpretation of this passage. Scholars offer a variety of explanations, but in the light of our discussion so far, I think this thorn is understandable.

Maybe for you or me, this thorn might be a lack of eloquence. Maybe when we try to speak with someone, we trip over our tongue or fail to recall the words when we need them. Or maybe we’re afraid to speak in a crowd on any subject, let alone about our faith. Or maybe there are things in our past that we aren’t particularly proud of. Maybe some of the people who knew us when use that against us when we attempt to speak about our faith. Maybe we lack the confidence to talk about or share our faith.

Any one of these examples and a host of other examples could be a thorn in our side as we try to preach the Good News – as we try to be witnesses of our faith in Christ Jesus. But wait, there’s more!

In the Gospel, Jesus could not perform many miracles there because of their lack of faith. Wow! This dynamic of sharing the Good News must be a sort of dance. It’s not enough of that we are willing to share our faith with others. They must be willing to accept it. We need a dance partner of sorts to carry out our role as prophet. That they might not have faith to receive the Good News is testimony against them! What a burden for us to bear!

But Jesus isn’t asking us to bear the burden. He isn’t asking us to keep a tally of the number of souls we convert. Jesus is asking us to just be the prophets we are called to be as disciples. Yes, it’s easy to get discouraged and frustrated. But our task is to keep trying – to keep sharing our faith – and to keep learning about our faith. Everything else is in God’s hands.

Homework! Nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, I invite you to reflect on the following two questions. First, what are some skills I have that will help me share talk about my faith with other people? Second, in what ways can I share my faith with others?

I think doing our homework will help us be the prophets we are called to be! Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May Almighty God bless you Father, Son and Holy Spirit. +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image: Artist Unknown. JPEG.

Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Healy, Mary. The Gospel of Mark. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2008. Kindle.
2. Montague, George T. SM. Mark: A Popular Commentary on the Earliest Gospel. Steubenville, Ohio: Franciscan University Press, 1992.
3. Stegman, Thomas D. SJ. Second Corinthians. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2009. Kindle.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Perseverance in faith: 162
2. Power is made perfect in weakness: 268, 273, 1508
3. God’s omnipotence: 268-71
4. The mystery of God’s “apparent powerlessness:” 272-74
5. Christ as prophet: 436
6. Brothers of Jesus: 500
7. Laying on hands: 699
8. Prophets and conversion of heart: 2581-84
9. Prayer with faith: 2610

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070421.cfm
Lectionary: 101

Reading 1
Ezekiel 2:2-5
As the LORD spoke to me, the spirit entered into me
and set me on my feet,
and I heard the one who was speaking say to me:
Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites,
rebels who have rebelled against me;
they and their ancestors have revolted against me to this very day.
Hard of face and obstinate of heart
are they to whom I am sending you.
But you shall say to them: Thus says the LORD GOD!
And whether they heed or resist—for they are a rebellious house—
they shall know that a prophet has been among them.

Responsorial
Psalm 123:1-2, 2, 3-4
R. (2cd) Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
To you I lift up my eyes
who are enthroned in heaven —
As the eyes of servants
are on the hands of their masters.
R. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
As the eyes of a maid
are on the hands of her mistress,
So are our eyes on the LORD, our God,
till he have pity on us.
R. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
Have pity on us, O LORD, have pity on us,
for we are more than sated with contempt;
our souls are more than sated
with the mockery of the arrogant,
with the contempt of the proud.
R. Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.

Reading 2
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Brothers and sisters:
That I, Paul, might not become too elated,
because of the abundance of the revelations,
a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan,
to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,
but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness.”
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,
in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and constraints,
for the sake of Christ;
for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Alleluia
Cf. Luke 4:18
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
Mark 6:1-6
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.
When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,
and many who heard him were astonished.
They said, “Where did this man get all this?
What kind of wisdom has been given him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!
Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,
and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?
And are not his sisters here with us?”
And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and among his own kin and in his own house.”
So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,
apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.
He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Second Sunday of Easter

picture of statue of Jesus with arms out on top of mountain surrounded by clouds

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Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 4:32-35
Responsorial: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 John 5:1-6
Gospel: John 20:19-31

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041121.cfm
https://www.deaconrudysnotes.org/

Happy Easter! I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal and I’m so glad you’re here to share this second Sunday of Easter with me as we break open the Word!

Whoa! As usual, Holy Mother Church gave us so much in these three readings today. We’re going to focus on the Gospel, but even that is packed with so much Good News there’s no way we could possibly do it justice. But let’s start with the idea of church.

There are many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who, for whatever reason, choose not to affiliate with or go to church – any church. People may have all sorts of reasons for not wanting to affiliate or go to church. But there are many reasons why it’s important for us to come together as a community. We’ve discussed the idea about the sacramental principle before.

The Church teaches us that if God is everywhere, then all time and all space is holy. But we can take this for granted. So, based on Scripture, the Church teaches us that we need to set time aside and come together as a community to praise and worship God. <1> So, the sacramental principle is one reason why we come together as church.

But there is another reason why we need to come together as church. Actually, it’s probably one of the first reasons we come to church.

At it’s core, what is Christianity? Christianity is a report – a Gospel – Good News. News requires that someone brings us the news. <2> St. Paul didn’t go up to each person individually and say, “Hey, have you heard the Good News?” No, St. Paul brought the Good News to a community and the letters he wrote were intended for the benefit of the community. And each of those communities, like all disciples, are charged with passing on the Good News – sharing it with others.

The spiritual life is not a solitary journey. We are on a pilgrimage – a trip we share in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s why when Mass begins, the celebrant, praying the words of Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians, says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:13). The word “communion” is a translation of the Greek word koinonia. The basic meaning of koinonia means “sharing in things.” That really points to our first reading from Acts. We could spend the better part of an hour (or a semester) digging into the mutual sharing described in Acts, Christian ethics, and the world of business.

But let’s get back to the Gospel. We exist today as a Christian people – as a community – because someone somewhere at some time brought us the Good News. I suggest to you that people who entered the church through RCIA can identify with that idea perhaps more easily than those of us born into the community. The message of Jesus Christ can never die as long as there are people who, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, pass on the Good News to others.

Today’s Gospel account from John tells us about two miraculous appearances of Jesus to the disciples in, both instances, while in locked rooms. Jesus says to the disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you” (John 19:21). That message is not reserved to the twelve. Our bishops who are the apostles today, can’t do it alone. The church teaches us that Jesus sends all disciples – all of us – out to share the Good News!

The beatitude we hear in today’s Gospel, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” is what faith is all about (John 19:29). Indeed, John tells us that “these are written that you may [come to] believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through this belief you may have life in his name” (John 19:31).

Now, there are all sorts of “marks of discipleship” that we could get into, but let’s keep it simple. A disciple is someone who accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. A disciple seeks to grow their personal relationship with Jesus by learning more about Him. And a disciple is someone who, rooted in the community, shares the Good News with other people.

Today’s Gospel message is a reminder to all of us about our core responsibilities as disciples. We gather as a community and our koinonia or our communion “comes when Jesus Christ takes each one of us and all of us into himself in the Eucharist.” <3> Nourished by the Eucharist, we are then sent out to share the Good News. That’s why the Mass ends with the deacon, or the celebrant if there isn’t a deacon, proclaiming, “Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.”

Homework! As we continue to celebrate our Easter feast nourished by the Word of God and the Eucharist, I invite you to reflect on the following questions. First, am I carrying my weight in my parish community? What can I do to support my parish mission? Second, if I were asked by a colleague or a family member to explain the Good News of Jesus Christ, what would I say?

I think doing our homework can help us be engaged disciples. Do you got it? Do you get it? Good! Now go make disciples! May we all come to know the joy of Easter and may God bless you, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! +Amen!

You’re listening to deacon rudy’s notes. Thank you for joining me today. Our theme music was composed by Silent Partner. You can find all sorts of helpful information on the website at www.deaconrudysnotes.org. I’m Deacon Rudy Villarreal. Join me again next weekend as we break open the Word. Peace!

Image Credit: Second Sunday of Easter. Artist Unknown. JPG.

Notes:
<1> Michael Himes, Chapter Two Grace.
<2> Himes, Chapter Five Church.
<3> Joseph A. Tetlow, SJ and Carol Atwell Ackels, 186.

Bibliography/Suggested Readings:
1. Anderson, Kelly, and Daniel Keating. James, First, Second, and Third John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2017. Kindle.
2. Himes, Michael. The Mystery of Faith: An Introduction to Catholicism. Cincinnati: St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2004. Kindle.
3. Martin, Francis and William M. Wright IV. The Gospel of John. Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic, 2015. Kindle.
4. Schneiders, Sandra M. Jesus Risen in Our Midst: Essays on the Resurrection of Jesus in the Fourth Gospel. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2013. Kindle.
5. Tetlow, Joseph A., SJ and Carol Atwell Ackels. Finding Christ in the World: A Twelve Week Ignatian Retreat in Everyday Life. Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts: The Institute of Jesuit Sources, 2017.

Catechism References http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm:
1. Faith: 153-62
2. Jesus as the Christ: 436
3. The appearances of the risen Christ: 448, 641-46
4. Christ’s risen humanity: 645-46
5. Saving significance of the resurrection: 651-55
6. Our new birth in the resurrection of Christ: 654-55, 1988
7. Water as type of the gift of the Spirit: 694
8. The Holy Spirit and the Church: 737-41
9. “I believe in the forgiveness of sins”: 926-84, 1441-42
10. Communion in spiritual goods: 949-53, 1329, 1342, 2624, 2790
11. Sanctifying presence of the risen Christ in the liturgy: 1084-89
12. Blood and water as types of baptism and Eucharist: 1225
13. The sacrament of Reconciliation: 1461-67
14. The Sunday Eucharist: 2177-78, 1342

Second Sunday of Easter
Sunday of Divine Mercy https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041121.cfm
Lectionary: 44

Reading 1
Acts 4:32-35
The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own,
but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need.

Responsorial
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
R. (1) Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.
or R. Alleluia.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
Let those who fear the LORD say,
“His mercy endures forever.”
R. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Or R. Alleluia.
I was hard pressed and was falling,
but the LORD helped me.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
in the tents of the just:
R. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Or R. Alleluia.
The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.
R. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.
Or R. Alleluia.

Reading 2
1 Johnn 5:1-6
Beloved:
Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God,
and everyone who loves the Father
loves also the one begotten by him.
In this way we know that we love the children of God
when we love God and obey his commandments.
For the love of God is this,
that we keep his commandments.
And his commandments are not burdensome,
for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world.
And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
Who indeed is the victor over the world
but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

This is the one who came through water and blood, Jesus Christ,
not by water alone, but by water and blood.
The Spirit is the one that testifies,
and the Spirit is truth.

Alleluia
John 20:29
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me, says the Lord;
Blessed are those who have not seen me, but still believe!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel
John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week,
when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews,
Jesus came and stood in their midst
and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side.
The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.
As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them,
“Receive the Holy Spirit.
Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,
and whose sins you retain are retained.”

Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve,
was not with them when Jesus came.
So the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.”
But he said to them,
“Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands
and put my finger into the nailmarks
and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

Now a week later his disciples were again inside
and Thomas was with them.
Jesus came, although the doors were locked,
and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.”
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands,
and bring your hand and put it into my side,
and do not be unbelieving, but believe.”
Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus said to him, “Have you come to believe because you have seen me?
Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.”

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples
that are not written in this book.
But these are written that you may come to believe
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,
and that through this belief you may have life in his na