Here are some of the themes in the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter.
1st Reading – Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35
The community of believers was of one heart and mind, sharing everything in common.
The apostles bore witness to the resurrection of Jesus, and there was no needy person among them.
Psalm – 118:2-4,13-15,22-24
“Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.”
Even when we are hard pressed and falling, the Lord helps us and fills us with joy.
2nd Reading – 1st John 5:1-6
When we love God and obey his commandments we know that we love the children of God.
The Spirit testifies truly that Jesus is the Son of God who came through water and blood.
Gospel – John 20:19-31
On the evening of the first day of the week, Jesus appears to the disciples; however, Thomas is absent, and he scoffs at the disciples when they tell him what happened.
Jesus appears a week later in the same locked room, and Thomas comes to faith in the Risen Lord.
The disciples encounter the empty tomb and realize that Christ has been raised from the dead, inviting us to embrace the overwhelming joy of the Good News by offering our lives for the glory of God.
The power of the Holy Spirit transforms the hearts and minds of disciples, filling us with God’s grace and sending us forth to offer our lives as we follow the call of Christ.
Paul concludes his farewell to the presbyters of the Church of Ephesus, and the response from the group reveals how one life can make a profound difference in the hearts of many.
Paul offers a heartfelt farewell from Miletus to the presbyters of the Church at Ephesus. His words reveal the depth of friendship that was forged from his passionate proclamation of the faith.
Three Great Things 