Second Sunday of Easter
Welcome to our on line celebration.
John Cade will offer his 5th Special Homily on Matthew's work.
First Reading read by Cody, Acts of the Apostles
The newly converted followers of Christ committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.
They followed a daily discipline of worship in the Temple followed by meals at home, every meal a celebration, exuberant and joyful, as they praised God. People in general liked what they saw. Every day their number grew as God added those who were saved.
Our word for today.
Second Reading, read by Patricia, First Letter of Peter
Sisters and brothers: What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.
You never saw him, yet you love him. You still don’t see him, yet you trust him—with laughter and singing. Because you kept on believing, you’ll get what you’re looking forward to: total salvation.
Our word for today.
Gospel reading read by Deacon Mike, Gospel of John
Later on that first day of the week, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. “Receive the Holy Spirit,” he said. “If you forgive someone’s sins, they’re gone for good. If you don’t forgive sins, what are you going to do with them?”
But Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, “We saw the Master.” But he said, “Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won’t believe it.” Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them.
Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he focused his attention on Thomas. “Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don’t be unbelieving. Believe.” Thomas said, “My Master! My God!” Jesus said, “So, you believe because you’ve seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing.”
Jesus provided far more God-revealing signs then are written down in this book. These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.
The Good News of John
Anniversary of The Week, John & Alison Degenova
Rosemary's Blessing of The Week
Risen Jesus, help us to be human expressions of the God you proclaimed: a God who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.
May we know deeply God's great love for us, and like God, lean toward those suffering, oppressed and poor.
Taken from A Reflection and Prayer for Easter by S. Jean Amore, CSJ
In response to those of you who have been asking, Yes, we are so far paying our weekly bills. Collections are certainly down. We are bringing in ca. $400 a week. Unfortunately we have not been able to support Souls Harbor.
If you would like to help out, simply send a check to Rosemary at 6107 Tulip Lane, Dallas 75230. Tom Zurchin suggested we get a PayPal account and Rosemary is afraid it will complicate her present arrangements.
Tom also gave us a heads up about the North Texas Giving Day, May 5. Souls Harbor has a $10 thousand matching grant. Donate your $1200 government subsidy? Unless you need it.
Remember……