East2A23.   Acts of the Apostles.    2:42-47.   The early followers of the resurrected Jesus boldly met together in the temple area but celebrated the ‘breaking bread’ or Mass in their homes.  “All who believed were together and had all things in common,” expecting that Jesus would be coming soon to take them up to heaven.  “Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.”

John 20:19-31.   The disciples were in fear that the Jewish authorities might do to them what they had done to Jesus on the cross.  However, Jesus assures them as he says, “Peace be with you.”  Preparing them to continue his work, since he would be ascending into heaven, Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  They are to enable people to believe in Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, uniting themselves to Jesus as a holy people with forgiveness of their sins.  Believing in Jesus so that he was their life, they would “have life in his name,” the salvation of their souls.    By being in the physical presence of the resurrected Jesus, the Apostles knew that he was the Messiah.  It was the miracle beyond all miracles.  In our times, Jesus calls us to have the faith or belief that he is the Son of God by living in his spiritual presence without having any physical assurances.  Living in the faith that does not see, yet believes, is our being tested by fire, in a world that rejects belief in what is not seen.

1 Peter 1:3-9.  “Although you have not seen him, you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”  Jesus is our joy, daily giving a heavenly life to an otherwise worldly existence.