Today is the Second Sunday of Easter. In today’s Gospel reading, John portrays Jesus coming and standing among his disciples on the evening of Easter Day. Thomas, who was not present when Jesus came, refused to believe without proper evidence. A week later (the second Sunday of Easter) Jesus came and stood among his disciples again. This time Thomas was there and Jesus provided him with the evidence he needed. Thomas saw and heard and touched the risen Jesus, and then he believed. But Jesus said ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of seeing, seeing things in a different light. In today’s picture from his book, The Windy Day, Teddy Horsley opens his eyes to try to see the wind. While he fails to see the wind, he can certainly see the effects of the wind as it blows paper along the street.
Risen Lord,
you made yourself known to doubting Thomas.
When we, too, are surrounded by doubts,
open our eyes to recognise your presence
and to see you working in our lives;
for you are alive and reign for ever.
Amen.
Next Sunday is the Third Sunday of Easter when the Gospel reading is Luke’s narrative about how the travellers on the journey to Emmaus recognised Jesus when he broke bread and shared it with them. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is sharing bread. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.
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Notice Sheet
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Easter Sunday – Exploring the Sunday Gospel