“Let me begin with a simple truth: Many of us believe in Jesus… but at the same time, we still struggle.
Just like the disciples in today’s Gospel. They had already heard that Jesus was alive. Some had even seen Him. And yet—when He appeared in their midst, they were still afraid… still confused… still doubtful.
And what does Jesus say to them? Not a rebuke. Not a correction. But this gentle greeting: “Peace be with you.”
Here is the one message I would like us to keep in our hearts today: The Risen Jesus meets us in our doubts—with patience and peace.
He does not shame the disciples for their lack of faith. He does not say, “Why are you still doubting Me?” Instead, He draws closer. He shows them His wounds. He invites them to touch Him. He even eats with them.
Why? Because He understands their hearts. He knows that faith sometimes needs time…that wounded hearts need reassurance…that confused minds need light.
Is this not also our story?
There are moments when we pray—but we still worry. When we believe—but we still question. When we hope—but we still feel afraid. At times, our faith is not strong. At times, we are like those disciples—troubled and unsure.
But listen carefully: Jesus does not run away from us because of our doubts. He comes closer. He enters our “closed rooms”—our fears, our anxieties, our struggles—and He gently says: “Peace be with you.”
But Jesus does not stop there. After giving them peace, He gives them a mission: “You are witnesses of these things.”
As if He is saying: “Now that you have experienced Me…now that you have received My peace…go and share it.”
We are not meant to keep Jesus only for ourselves. In a world full of fear, division, and uncertainty, people need to see witnesses—not perfect people, but people who have encountered the Risen Lord.
My dear friends, the Risen Jesus is here. He is not distant. He is not angry. He is not tired of us. Like a loving Lord—and like a patient Father—He comes to us again and again, and says: “Peace be with you.”
Let us welcome Him. Let us trust Him. And let us become His witnesses in the world.”