2nd Sunday of Easter
Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31
The cross and the empty tomb forgive our sins, renew the body of Christ, and send it out to proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the sake of the world. Nonetheless, it is a very tough act to follow. The witnesses to the scandal of the crucifixion and the renewed hope of the resurrection are traumatized and certainly scarred for life. The powers of the world have shown what they are capable of. Whoever wants to be next, raise your hand. They certainly felt vulnerable and hopeless, perhaps waiting for things to blow over, so they may surrender to the ways of the world. However, Jesus comes for a visit …
In acts, we find the disciples out and about, empowered by the Spirit breathed upon them. Peter bold proclaims for his countrymen that the one mocked, broken, and killed at the cross is the same Jesus who was raised because his power could not be contained. Of that, all of them were witnesses! In 1 Peter, early faith communities are encouraged through the trials that may come from abiding with Christ. However, the love and joy they show for the risen one, even if they have not seen him, is evidence of both their faith and the salvation of their souls.
The psalmist cries out to the Lord for protection (verse 1), and the God who answers to the cries of God’s people answers,
“You show me the path of life.
In your presence, there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore (11).”
Bridging Faith 