We celebrate today, the second Sunday of Easter, and on this day we celebrate the mercy of God. The Gospel has many insights, but we pick up one.
On the first day, when Jesus rose from the dead he appeared to his disciples and all those who were with them. He breathed on them and gave them peace and sent them out to go and preach forgiveness. Forgiveness that would bring about healing to all around them. When they went out they did so, and because of that, they were able to build a strong Christian community of which we heard about in the first reading. They were united together, forgiving one another and living this forgiveness for all the people in Jerusalem to see. So they could preach the word of God with confidence. It was their faith in the risen Lord that made them to be so united.