The gospel reading for this week extends over two crucial appearances of the resurrected Christ verses 19-23 and verses 24-29 and includes what some say was the original conclusion to John's gospel (vv.30-31). Within the course of these few verses, a lot happens: Jesus' resurrection is made the focus of the future church; the gifts of reconciliation, salvation and the Holy Spirit are offered to the church (the gathered disciples); a major shift in focus for all future believers from "signs" to "the word" is pronounced.

The first scene in this week's text finds "the disciples" huddling together behind locked doors in fear of further Jewish reprisals. This barricaded stance is overcome by the appearance of the resurrected Jesus in two ways.

First, proof is offered that this Jesus is truly di…