"And when he had said this, he shewed them his hands and his side." (John 20:20)

Oh, how privilaged were disciples looking at the most precious wounds of the Lord! But someone can ask: "Why Our Lord kept the wound scars in His glorified body?" St Bernard explains that Our Lord preserved the wounds to proclaim triumph of the Resurrection to God's Angels, to witness reality of His Resurrection to the Apostles, and His accomplishment and suffering during the Last Judgment. St Bernard also says that Good Captain wants us, the soldiers, to keep focused on His wounds to console and strengthen the souls in suffering, for in this way only we can be indifferent to our own pains. The wounds of Our Lord then teach us wisely how to suffer. It is impossible for us sinners to avoid suffering if Our Blessed Lord who is so impeccable and perfect, suffered so much. Let us trust in Him in every oppression! He will help and console those who suffer gladly persecution, wound and oppression for His sake. St Paul says: "Gladly therefore will I glory in my infirmities." Why? - " that the power of Christ may dwell in me." (2 Cor 12:9). It is better to live in persecution and oppression with the Lord than in comfort and luxury without Him. Our Blessed Lord calls: "A little while" (John 16:16). It is nothing indeed to endure pain and distress for a short moment for Christ's sake than to suffer eternal condemnation and separation from Him. Let us carry our little crosses with gladness. A good disciple should follow the Lord's example. Let us remember that eternal triumph and happiness will come after, just as it came to Our suffering Lord: "That our hope for you may be steadfast: knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation". (2 Cor 1:7)