The power of the Holy Spirit and the joy of the resurrection shine forth in the apostles as they confront the threat of death for proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. Their witness inspires us to face our fears as we embrace our faith.
Released from custody, Peter and John return to the disciples to recount what happened. As they pray, the Holy Spirit comes upon them while the ground shakes and they preach with boldness.
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“Doubting Thomas” speaks to a common trait in our human hearts, especially with people who are uncertain about Jesus. May the three options offered in this homily help us to engage the skeptics in our lives with grace of God.
The Lord’s revelation to the disciples in Luke’s Gospel is transmitted to the crowd through the preaching of St. Peter. May our minds be opened by the Lord so that we can pass on the faith that we have received as well.
Both St. Peter and St. Mary Magdalene reveal the transformation caused by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Empowered by the Risen Lord, they boldly proclaim the Good News with joy.
Serve: What do the readings make me do or say…today?
Let’s take a look at some of the main themes of the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter.
1st Reading – Acts 4:32-35
The Early Church shares all things in common; no one suffers from grave need.
The apostles offer their witness to the resurrection of Christ; they are filled with great power.
Psalm – 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
The “stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone” now applies to Jesus.
Christ was rejected, and submitted to the agony of the Cross; Christ’s resurrection now becomes the cornerstone of our faith in God.
Our strength and courage from the Lord, who is our savior.
2nd Reading – 1 John 5:1-6
Everyone who believes in Christ is empowered to love God and one another. Our love for the Lord empowers us to keep his commandments.
Our faith in Christ leads to a victory that conquers the world.
Gospel – John 20:19-31
Jesus appears to the disciples, offering them peace and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus appears to the disciples (this time with Thomas) and speaks about those who have not seen the Risen Lord but who in faith overcome their doubt and believe.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything! From that Easter Day long ago, human hearts and lives have been transformed with God’s grace. Our fears fall away in the face of the Risen Lord. May this glorious hope renew us today!
This night we hear the great message of salvation history, fulfilled in the saving death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is our faith! May we live it with conviction and joy!
A great saint who does not say a single recorded word in the Bible. Yet Joseph’s actions reveal a trust in God and a conviction that puts faith in action.
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