Dear Parishioners and Friends,

 I begin my letter for you today with the ending of our gospel, Jesus writes, “that through this belief you may have life in His name.”  The life that Jesus speaks of is Christ dwelling within us and helping us to transcend the world around us and faithfully receive God’s wisdom through Christ that there is so much more than the world we perceive with our own senses.
 
All of this hinges on a deep faith which sees beyond fear and doubt.  Both of those, which this gospel highlights, can compromise faith.  In the first instance, the disciples have locked the doors for fear of the Jews.  In the second instance, Thomas doubts what they have seen and will only believe if he sees if for himself.  Jesus calms the fears of the disciples with the simple admonition, “Peace be with you.”  He addresses Thomas’s doubt by inviting him to physically experience His bodily wounds.  
 
The impact of this gospel is more profound in our current time of crisis than it might be otherwise.  Our fears and our doubts are front and center, but our faith is strong.  As I have frequently remarked, Jesus often said to those who He healed, “Go in peace your faith has saved you.”  These familiar words are echoed in the gospel we have just read and they should be echoed in our own lives—that through faith our fears are relieved and peace is restored to our hearts.
 
May this second week of Easter bring you God’s peace and may our thoughts and prayers be with the sick, dying and those who love them.
 

Christ be with you,