—
As God breathed into Adam and he became a living soul, Jesus breathes upon the disciples. The Hebrew word for “spirit” is the word ruach, meaning ‘breath.’ At this time, according to John, the disciples received the Holy Spirit. This identifies the Holy Spirit with the spirit of Christ.
In the second appearance,
our Lord appears to Thomas. Thomas wanted the certainty of seeing his risen
Lord in the flesh, as the others had. When he beholds the wounds in the One who
was crucified on our behalf, his faith is sure, and he confesses, ‘My Lord and My God!’ Thomas’s assurance
is ours also. We need never doubt that our Lord is truly risen from the dead, ‘the first-fruits of those who have fallen
asleep.’ (1 Corinthians 15:20)
Prayer
for spiritual renewal:
Almighty God, grant that we, who have
been redeemed from the old life of sin by our Baptism into the death and
resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, may be renewed by Your Holy Spirit to
live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for those who care for others: Most merciful
Father, You have committed to our love and care our fellow human beings and
their necessities. Graciously be with and prosper all those who serve the sick
and those in need. Let their service be abundantly blessed as they bring relief
to the suffering, comfort to the sorrowing, and peace to the dying. Grant them
the knowledge that inasmuch as they do it unto the least of the Master's
brethren, they do it unto Him; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.[1] 09
April 2021
[1] Prayers from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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