The Easter story is all about the peace that is available through forgiveness. The appearances of Jesus after the Resurrection witnesses to the peace that forgiveness brings to sinners such as the disciples of Jesus who deserted him, and to unbelievers who like Thomas would not believe the story of Jesus’ resurrection. As the Gospel concludes, “…that through this belief you may have life in his name.” The witness of Jesus in his resurrection brings to us the blessed assurance of the forgiveness of our sins. His witness is our source of peace, a peace we can enjoy and extend to others when we are willing to forgive.