2nd Sunday of Easter | Sunday 24 April 2022

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Today is Sunday the 24th of April, beginning the second week of Easter.

Steffany Gretzinger sings, ‘Open Our Eyes’. As you listen, can you make these words your own prayer? Where in your life do you need your eyes opened to see the Lord today?

Open my eyes, Lord

I want to see Jesus

To reach out and touch him

And say that I love him

Open my ears, Lord

And help me to listen

Open my eyes, Lord

I want to see Jesus

Open my eyes, Lord

I want to see Jesus

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

John 20:24-31

But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.’

A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.’ Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

In this passage Thomas speaks plainly to the risen Jesus about what he needs to strengthen his faith. If you were to ask Jesus for what you need to strengthen your faith, what would you be asking for?

Often church people have condemned Thomas here as “doubting Thomas”. But Jesus doesn’t condemn him. How does Jesus react when you bring your own doubts to him?

Thomas responds with an act of faith in five words: “My Lord and my God!” How would you, in just a few words, express what you really believe about Jesus?

As you listen again, notice the lines towards the end when the writer, St John, explains why he has composed his gospel.

Here Jesus blesses those who have not seen him in the flesh, yet believe. That group includes you. How do you want to respond to him when he blesses you in this way?

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.