Peace in Wounded Hands

19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
John 20:19-23
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Peace in Wounded Hands
The risen Jesus comes to fearful disciples locked behind doors, not with rebuke, but with peace. This peace is not merely a feeling, but the concrete gift of reconciliation won at the cross. The One who stands among them is the crucified Lord, still bearing His wounds. Those scars preach. They declare that death has been defeated not by power, but by suffering love. Jesus breathes on His Church and gives the Holy Spirit, instituting the Office of the Keys. From the cross flows forgiveness; from forgiven lips it is spoken again. This is not human authority, but Christ’s own work continued, sins forgiven or retained according to His Word. The Church does not invent peace; she delivers it. So also for us. In guilt, fear, or doubt, the risen Christ still comes through closed doors. He places before us His cross, His wounds, His peace. Where forgiveness is spoken, there He stands.