Peace Be with You

On the evening of the first day of the week, the risen Jesus stands among his frightened disciples and says, "Peace be with you." He shows them his hands and side, sends them as the Father sent him, breathes on them, and gives them the Holy Spirit with authority to declare sins forgiven or retained. The meeting marks the beginning of a new creation and of the church's mission: apostles sent by the Son carry his word of peace and forgiveness to the world.