Imagine discovering that you had done something terrible through ignorance. How can we take it back or repair the damage? Peter informed the crowd that they rejected Jesus and killed the Author of Life. But he had good news - it was not too late to make amends. He realized that they had acted in ignorance, as many do, and offered them repentance and baptism. Many accepted this invitation. It is never too late to repent of our sins and begin anew. As Pope Francis stated in the Joy of the Gospel, Jesus never tires of forgiving us, but humans tire of asking.

The disciples were shocked to see Jesus alive in the upper room. He proved to them that he was not a ghost - he had the nail prints and he could eat. They needed far more reassurance - he had to explain that it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and die. It was part of the divine plan, not just a cruel accident. Our own suffering and struggle fits into God's plan in some way too. The suffering and death of Jesus meant that repentance and forgiveness of sins could be extended to all the nations of the earth. Humanity was getting a second chance. God was reaching out to and including every person on the face of the earth. We are honoured and privileged to continue the work - many depend on us.