For Sunday
Easter 2A
Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ’s Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Reading
Reflection
Christ is risen!
These are the words we happily proclaim on Easter. Christ is risen! Alleluia. These words transform our hope into joy.
This week, we have a gospel about joy, connection, and return. The return of Jesus to confirm the belief and offer new hope for the world.
Of course, that work gets sidetracked easily. The author points out one of them wasn’t there, and when he hears about it, he wants the experience too. So, the following week, when Thomas makes sure to be there, Jesus shows up again and, despite his earlier claims, doesn’t need the physical proof. He sees. That’s enough.
There is little wonder, of course, that Christians would obsess about about this diversion, dubbing the disciple “doubting Thomas” for it. Turning a gospel story of joy into one of ridicule as a cautionary tale. It is a prominent part of the telling.
However, it is also telling how often we allow the details to derail us or how frequently we miss the glorious revelation in the gospel for the bits that unsettle.
Jesus returned to his disciples. Showed them grace. Revealed the glory of God. Was generous with Thomas. And in the end, Called everyone who comes after them “blessed.”