People sometimes do terrible things in complete ignorance. They can even imagine that they are doing something worthy of praise! Peter proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus and took the people to task for their role in the crucifixion. Since they didn't realize what they were doing, the offer of salvation was again given. Repent and be baptized! Many responded with faith. God gives us many chances to correct the mistakes of the past and to learn from them. Jesus is also our advocate when we sin. We know the Lord if we obey his commands, especially the command to love. If we do not love, we cannot claim to know God. Let us never lose hope but strive to know the Lord in the quality and depth of our love for others.

In his appearance in the upper room, Jesus had to convince the apostles that he was not a ghost or a vision. He ate food, and since ghosts do not eat, it became clear that the same Jesus who was crucified was standing before them fully alive. He then had to change their minds and hearts. Just as on the road to Emmaus, he opened the Scriptures for them, showing that his suffering and death were necessary. Finally, he gave them their mission - to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, proclaiming repentance and the forgiveness of sins. This is the mission in which we all share - proclaiming in word and deed the mercy and compassion of God.