First Sunday of Easter / Divine Mercy Sunday - April 8

Today's Readings:
Reading 1: Acts 4:32-35
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
Gospel: John 20:19-31
Reading 2: First John 5:1-6

Acts of the Apostles 4:32-35

There are times when we do share everything in common. Think of the sunscreen, ice water, mountains of salads and snacks we all bring to share at swimming pools and lakes. Think of those family gatherings when someone rents a cottage and we all swarm in for a week or weekend and no one is needy for we share our all. We also taste some of that generosity at our international church suppers and our children’s sports night dish-to-pass-suppers and book club potlucks. We are blessed as we share but we are a long way from sharing like monastic communities who share their all very much like those described in today’s reading from Acts. Is sharing so completely that no one is needy among us an ideal for which to strive? Does such sharing give our children a strong sense of community? Do we vote people into office who legislate so that those who are seriously disabled have basic needs met and all have opportunities to thrive?

John 20:19-31

If we were to hear that Jesus walked into church saying, “Peace be with you,” would we be like doubting Thomas? Blessed are you who believe when you have not seen him raise your grandson from the dead nor heal your son! Still we believe. The alternative is appalling. We pray for those without hope who are beset by doubt and anxieties. On long nights, we ask God to bring them peace.