Consider how reassuring are the words of the First Letter of Peter today: new birth into a living hope, an imperishable inheritance kept in heaven, and protection by the power of God.

Why do you believe what you believe? What makes you so sure that your faith isn’t simply wishful thinking? What do you cling to, when people challenge the tenets of religious belief?

Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

No one saw much potential in Billy. It’s not that the staff at the orphanage thought badly about him; they just didn’t think much about him at all. He seemed to feel comfortable floating beneath everyone’s notice—not getting in trouble but not getting much attention either.

”Awe came upon everyone” in the early Christian community, Luke tells us in the Acts of the Apostles. I saw that same awe come upon my daughter at Mass when she was a very young child.

Sisters and brothers, we ask for the Lord's mercy, which endures forever, and his love, which is everlasting.

By his miraculous entry through closed doors Christ proved to his disciples that by nature he was God and also that he was none other than their former companion.