he heavenly, and shall speak
again with those whom we have lost awhile, and they with us.

Mary Magdalene went and told them that had been with Him, as they
mourned and wept, that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken
these things unto her. But they, when they had heard that He was
alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.

In close succession, the Lord appeared to others of the little group.
To the women, as they did run to bring His disciples word. To Peter,
whom He encountered on His way back, in lonely astonishment and awe,
and restored with gracious words of forgiveness. To the two that
walked to Emmaus, in the afternoon, and talked of all that had
happened. Finally He appeared to the whole company of the apostles, as
they sat at meat. They had carefully shut their doors, since there was
every reason to fear that the rumors of the events of the morning would
arouse against them the strong hate and fear of the Pharisees. It may
be that they were startled by every passing footfall, and every
movement on the stair, as when the two returned from Emmaus to tell how
Jesus had been made known unto them in the breaking of bread. Then,
suddenly, without announcement or preparation, the figure of their
beloved Master stood in the midst of them, with the familiar greeting
of peace! And, as the sacred historian naively puts it, they were
terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they were gazing on a
spirit. But the Lord allayed their fears, first by showing them His
hands and His feet; and next, by partaking of a piece of broiled fish
and of an honeycomb.

Evidently He was clothed in the resurrection or spiritual body of which
the Apostle Paul speaks. He was not subject to all the laws that
govern our physical life. He could pass freely through unopened doors,
and at will He could manifest Himself, speak, stand, and walk, or
subject Himself to physical sense.

His words were very significant. He began by upbraiding them for their
reluctance to believe that He had risen. Again He said, "Peace be unto
you"; and accompanied His words with the indication of His wounds--"He
showed them His hands and side." This was the peace of forgiveness,
which falls on our conscience-stricken hearts, as the dew distils on
the parched heritage. "Look at the wounds of Jesus," cried Staupitz to
Luther; and there is no other sign that will give rest to the penitent.

After this He opened their understandings, that