The readings this week remind listeners that the Easter season is about both celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus and doing something about it: They are full of messages about call, sending, mission. The Book of Acts speaks of how “with great power the apostles bore witness to the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus.” The First Letter of John commands the children of God to love. And in the gospel Jesus sends out his disciples with his Spirit in a ministry of forgiveness.

What does your faith do for you? How does it motivate you? For too many religious people, faith is simply the word they use to describe why they go to church. Faith means they believe God exists—and that Existence has negative consequences for those who don’t obey the rules. Such belief also has positive consequences for those who toe the line: a golden ticket of forgiveness and a pass to heavenly rewards. 

Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side.

Have you ever played the game “Where’s Waldo” with a preschooler? The premise is simple. You have to find the character Waldo somewhere in a densely drawn cartoon. Despite being low tech it surprisingly holds one’s interest.

Loving God, you give eternal life to those who believe in you and in your Son. In your loving kindness hear the prayers we make to you, in the name of Jesus who is the Christ and our Lord.

“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” When many people read or hear this appearance-story of Jesus, they tend to focus on the character of Thomas and his relationships with the other disciples and Christ. For some, Thomas is the one who gave his name to doubting (bad), while to others he is a hero of faith for sticking, Job-like, to his guns and believing only after he has seen and heard the genuine article (good).

Being peaceful does not mean being passive. Peaceful people take all sorts of bold and risky actions. —Patrice J. Tuohy, Prepare the Word Homily Starter