He breathed on them
By Fr. James McDougall

A reflection on John 20:19-31

Perhaps my earliest memory is being carried from our family's car and into our house by my father when I was about three years old. We had been out late visiting my grandparents, and it was dark and cold outside. My father wrapped me in his overcoat and held me close to his chest. I could feel his breath on my neck as he extracted me from the car and walked toward the house. If felt safe.

I felt his breath on my neck again when I was about to board a plane for Rome I was leaving to spend four years doing graduate study at the Gregorian University in the "Eternal City." I was afraid and uncertain when my dad held me close to him and wished me farewell. I felt his blessing.

There were other times as well when I felt his breath. In the embrace before my ordination, when I left for college, when he was in the hospital recuperating from serious surgery and I leaned in to greet him with a kiss. Always I felt reassurance in his presence.

The Apostles were confused and frightened even before the risen Jesus appeared in their midst. But as He often did, He told them, "Be not afraid," and then He breathed on them. Imagine yourself in that scene, and likely you will feel safe, you will feel His blessing, and you will be reassured of His presence.