Readings for 2^nd Sunday of Easter

Acts 5: 12 – 16              Psalm 117         Apocalypse 1: 9-13, 17-19            John 20: 19-31

The faith of the first believers in Jesus as the Lord was very strong. Even Peter’s shadow (reminiscent of the hem of Jesus’ garment) falling on them would have a healing effect and showed a deep faith in the living Lord. In fact many “signs and wonders” were wrought at the hands of the apostles.

The Apocalypse or Book of Revelation belongs to the Jewish tradition and uses strange language to describe God’s purpose in history and give some hope to the persecuted. In the opening verses of the book the author John describes how, one Sunday, Christ appeared to him in a vision and spoke to him in words of warning and encouragement.

In the Gospel we hear how Jesus appeared to his disciples on the first Easter Sunday in the evening.  Thomas, who was not there, would not believe until he had seen the Lord with his own eyes.  The gospel ends by inviting us to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and have life.

How strong is our faith? Do we need firm evidence like Thomas before we believe?  Let us listen to Jesus speaking words of encouragement to us, giving us life?