Peace Circle

Scripture Soundings - Second Sunday of Easter Acts 2:42 - They devoted themselves to breaking bread in their homes.


Post-Easter Faith

It's hard not to be skeptical these days. We're bombarded with advertisers spending mega-bucks to tell us things that are not absolutely true. The newspaper is filled with stories of people deceiving others. Even some of our political and religious leaders are involved in dubious dealings.

How are we to sort it all out? Sometimes, like Thomas, we have to see things for ourselves. We have to try the product to see if it really does what the advertiser claims. We have to talk with and check out references for people who will have an impact on our lives. We have security systems, answering machines and caller ID to protect ourselves from strangers. It's easy to criticize Thomas, but how open are we to the incredible?


Neighborly picket fence, with peaceful blue sky above, and friendly green grass below.

Second Sunday of Easter - Scripture Soundings

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel: John 20:19-31

Comment

After Easter, the apostles went out courageously and told the story of Jesus, his resurrection, and the Good News he brought. Many people believed the words, signs, and wonders of Jesus' followers. Together they broke bread, prayed, shared stories, and helped one another. Many sold their possessions and used the proceeds to help the less fortunate. The conversion described in Acts is joyful and dramatic.

As we look closely at Peter's letter and John's Gospel, we see less joy and drama. Peter warns new Christians that it is not always easy to be a follower, but the bottom line is that our souls will be saved. We haven't realized yet what that means exactly. Its full impact will not be realized until we join Christ in heaven.

John breaks into the story slowly. He begins by telling us that the apostles had gathered, frightened, in an upper room with locked doors. Jesus appears in the room and gently offers them peace. There's certainly excitement, relief, joy, tears of understanding as the miracle continues to unfold, but even this joy is quieted by Thomas' reluctance to believe what had transpired while he was gone. Still, the same conditions exist for the apostles and for us today as the early Christians found after Easter. We break bread, pray, share stories, and help one another.

Reflection

All the characteristics of the new church still hold true for us today. In the spirit of the peace Jesus offered the disciples and continues to offer us, we share the victory of the Cross. In the breaking of the bread, prayer, sharing stories, and serving one another, Jesus sends us out, clothed with the Holy Spirit, to proclaim the Good News.

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Updated: May 11, 2008