Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April

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This weekend is Saturday the 18 and Sunday the 19 April, beginning the Second week of Easter.

The community of Taizé sing Frieden, Frieden: Peace I leave you, my peace I give you. In unpredictable times, as you sit, notice what are the signs of hope for you … how might you hold hope for others … share these with God, the source of our hope …

This weekend’s reading is from the Gospel of John.

During this Easter week we’ve been exploring the disciples’ experiences of the Risen Christ. This weekend John gives us two more powerful resurrection encounters with Jesus. In both, Jesus suddenly appears to his followers even though they are shut away and the doors are locked. Where the disciples are fearful and doubting Jesus brings peace and encourages them to believe that he is truly risen from the dead. You may still be experiencing a period of lockdown, isolation or social distancing. Maybe you have been - or are currently – frightened, anxious or lonely. If so, in what ways have you experienced the presence of Jesus with you during this time?

How do you know Jesus is with you?

What difference does his presence make?

The disciple Thomas struggles to believe Jesus has risen from the dead.

How does Jesus use the marks of crucifixion to help Thomas?

Place yourself into the scene as Thomas…How do you react to the scars that remain on Jesus’ body? Does anything surprise you about your reaction. Just let your immediate feelings come to the surface.

As the passage is read again listen out for Thomas’ declaration: ‘My Lord and My God’.  

Are you able to say with Thomas: ‘My Lord and My God’? If so, say it to Jesus now. In these final moments close your eyes and imagine Jesus breathing his Holy Spirit into your heart. Wherever you are, allow yourself to be filled with the peace that Jesus brings.   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.