Next Sunday s Gospel is as full as the Upper Room into which Jesus enters to bring peace to the fearful Apostles. This chapter was most likely the original ending of John s work and the following Sunday we will hear from the chapter that seems to be added on. There is almost too much to grasp in all the events of what we will hear next Sunday, yet they are so important. The abandoning-Apostles are holed up in a secure room for fear. Jesus appears in His new way of arriving in unexpected forms.
Locked doors are the sign of fear and prevention.
Jesus enters and begins His work of gathering up the fragments again. Jesus then offers them a way out, actually a participation in His own having been sent. They are not banished, sent away in disgrace as were Adam and Eve, but sent as a continuation of His work of gathering. He finds them, blesses them and sends them away in grace. Jesus then enters their hearts more deeply and unlocks their guilt and fear of their shame.