Today we are Thomas - The ones called Blessed

The first three Sundays of Easter recount appearances of Jesus to his disciples, calling them into faith and mission.

Today we hear two such stories.

The first happens the evening of the day of resurrection when Jesus appears to the disciples who are gathered in fear. He offers them peace, the Holy Spirit, and the mission to carry forgiveness of sins to the world. Throughout the Easter season we read from the Acts of the Apostles and hear how the early church responded to the call of the risen Christ. In today’s reading  we see that the early church was marked by a sense of community and generosity. Throughout the Easter season this year we read from the First Letter of John. John writes the reading for today that he, and others, were witnesses to the risen Jesus, that they faithfully testify to his resurrection, and that in that witness they live in fellowship (community) with the Father, Jesus and one another. We begin our liturgy today giving thanks for our baptism, the act which brings us into that same fellowship.

Introduction

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.

Lectionary reflections

IK Synod resources

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