27 April 2025 - Easter 2, Year C

Theme

Easter Sunday marked the beginning of our Easter season. Today, the resurrection celebrations continue as we reflect on two of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances to the disciples. All of our readings for this week remind us of the glory that is found in the risen Christ. The apostles can’t help sharing the Good News in Acts. John provides a mighty vision in Revelation of Jesus as the resurrected witness who is God eternal. In the gospel reading, Jesus sends his disciples out to carry on the work that he was sent to do.

Scripture Readings

• Acts 5:27-32 - The apostles are confronted by the religious leaders for preaching in the name of Jesus and spreading their message throughout Jerusalem. They replied that they are obeying God by preaching the Gospel.
• Psalm 150 - A Psalm of praise encouraging the reader to praise God with various instruments.
• Revelation 1:4-8 - A letter to the churches in Asia. Greetings are offered and then a vision is shared of Christ coming with the clouds. “I am the Alpa and the Omega,” says the Lord God.
• John 20:19-31 - Jesus appears to the disciples after his resurrection. He joined them while they were behind closed doors. Jesus offers them peace and declares that he is sending the disciples as the Father sent him. They must forgive others so that they can be forgiven. Thomas was not with the disciples. When told about the event, he refuses to believe until he sees Jesus’ wounds with his own hands. Jesus reveals his wounds to Thomas who then believes. Jesus replies: “Do you believe because you see me? Blessed are those who don’t see and yet believe.”

The Context

Just before the Acts reading, the apostles had escaped from behind locked doors in prison. This sets up our gospel reading where Jesus appears behind locked doors with the disciples.

Personal Application

The story of Thomas encourages us to remember that God reveals Godself to doubters, as well as believers. Yes, Jesus makes a statement about those who don’t see and believe are blessed. Yet, Jesus still met Thomas in his doubt, revealed his wounds and invited Thomas to be a part of the mission that Jesus had previously imparted on the other disciples.
The wounded Jesus, even in his glorious post-resurrected body, shows us that we do not have to hide our scars from the world and pretend that they do not exist. Our wounds and scars are a part of our stories and they each played a part of turning us into the people we are today.
Have you been scared to bring your doubt before God for whatever reason? What might God reveal to you if you are honest about your doubts and struggles?
What scars and wounds do you carry today from past events (physical or metaphorical)? Recall the stories behind those wounds and how they helped shape who you are today.

Communal Application

Our scripture readings for this week tell us how Jesus’ followers were so overwhelmed with the glorious news of the risen Christ that they could not contain themselves from sharing it with others. In Acts, they escaped from prison and the Good News was spreading like wildfire through Jerusalem.
In the gospel reading, Jesus inducts the disciples to continue the work of building the kingdom of God that Jesus had begun. Meeting with the risen Christ emboldened the disciples to pick up this task with vigour.
How has your church met with the risen Christ and how have these experiences emboldened you and your church to spread the Gospel?