WELCOMES YOU!!

The Second Sunday of Easter

11 April 2021

The Easter season is a week of weeks, seven Sundays when we play in the mystery of Christ’s presence, mostly through the glorious Gospel of John.  Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us.  With Thomas we ask for a sign, and Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread.  From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing such that no one among us is in need.

First Reading: Acts 4:32-35

While the apostles testified to others about the resurrection of Jesus, the early Christian community shared what they owned or sold their possessions to help their fellow believers who were in need.

Psalm: Psalm 133

How good and pleasant it is to live together in unity. (Ps. 133:1)

Second Reading: 1 John 1:1--2:2

The opening of this letter serves as a reality check.  The reality of God is light, but our confessed reality has been sin.  God cleanses us from our sinful reality through Christ’s death so that we live in fellowship with Christ and walk in God’s light.

Gospel: John 20:19-31

The story of Easter continues as the risen Jesus appears to his disciples.  His words to Thomas offer a blessing to all who entrust themselves in faith to the risen Lord.

(from Sundays and Seasons, 2021)