Jesus Appears to the Disciples

Today we're going to learn about something wonderful that happened after Jesus rose from the dead on Pascha! This is a very special story about Jesus appearing to His disciples. After Jesus rose from the tomb, His disciples were hiding in a room. They were scared and confused. They had locked the door because they were afraid. Can anyone tell me why the disciples might have been scared? Sudenly, even though the door was locked, Jesus appeared right in the middle of the room! He said to them, 'Peace be with you!' - just like we say in our Maronite liturgy! The disciples couldn't believe their eyes. Was this really Jesus? Jesus showed them His hands and His side, where He had been wounded on the cross. Then the disciples were filled with joy! Their beloved teacher was truly alive! Jesus said to them again, 'Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.' But one disciple named Thomas wasn't there. When the others told him, 'We have seen the Lord!' Thomas said, 'I won't believe unless I see and touch His wounds myself.' A week later, Jesus appeared again when Thomas was with them. Jesus invited Thomas to touch His wounds. Thomas immediately believed and said, 'My Lord and my God!' What do you think Thomas felt when he saw Jesus? Jesus told Thomas, 'You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing.' In our Maronite tradition, we celebrate this miracle every Pascha season. Jesus appeared to show His disciples - and us - that He truly conquered death. Even when we can't see Jesus with our eyes, we can believe in Him with our hearts. Jesus is always with us, bringing us His peace and love.