The theme for the Second Sunday of
Easter is Faith in the Risen Christ. The First reading, from St. Luke’s
history of the Apostolic Church, the Book of Acts, tells about St. Peter, the
one who, out of fear, had denied Christ (Matt 26:69–75 ) and been restored (John 15:19 ). Here,
Peter performs miracles in the name of Jesus and testifies boldly before the
Jewish council. He has moved from fear to faith. The second reading
speaks of the revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to the holy Evangelist
and Apostle John. Though Christians were being persecuted, and John himself was
living in exile on Patmos , the vision of
Christ, the One who died, but is alive forevermore, brings reassurance
that the victory over death and Hades is complete. John has moved from
tribulation to faith. The Gospel is the familiar account of “doubting
Thomas,” who, when he saw the risen Christ, was moved to confess, “My Lord and
my God.” Thomas has moved from doubt to faith.
Time in the Word
18- 23 April 2022
Preparation for next week, the Second Sunday of Easter
18- 23 April 2022
Preparation for next week, the Second Sunday of Easter
Monday, 18
April 2022—Psalm 105:1–5 , 8 ; antiphon, 1 Peter 2:2–3 —The second Sunday of Easter is
sometimes called Quasimodogeniti,
Latin for the first words of the Introit, ‘Like newborn infants.’ Just as a
baby eagerly suckles at its mother’s breast, so we, who have been given new
life in Christ by His death and resurrection, also do eagerly desire the pure
spiritual milk provided by our Lord for our nourishment and good growth. This
He gives us through the preaching of His Word and the most blessed Sacrament of
the Altar.
Tuesday, 19 April 2022—Psalm 148 —In Sunday’s psalm, the psalmist calls upon all of
creation—those on the earth, those under the sea, and those in the heavens—to
join in a chorus of praise to the Lord.
Animate and inanimate, all of creation proclaims the glory of the Lord!
Wednesday, 20 April 2022—Acts 5:12–32 —Jesus remained a threat to the Jewish authorities, even
after He had ascended to heaven. Here, the apostle Peter is jailed for
performing miracles in the name of Jesus. After he is miraculously freed by an
angel of God, he is summoned before the Jewish council. Peter, filled with
strength that comes only from God, boldly asserts, “We must obey God rather
than men.”
Thursday, 21 April 2022—Revelation 1:4–18 —St. John, the only one of the Twelve still alive at
the time of his revelation, sees a glorious vision from the Lord Jesus. The
revelation, recorded for our sakes, gives great comfort to Christians of all
times, whether they are living in a time of severe persecution or not. Jesus is
the Victor! Just look at all this short section has to say about Jesus: He is
the One who was and is and is to come, the faithful witness, the firstborn
of the dead, the Ruler over all, the Alpha and Omega. Having
conquered death, He holds the keys to Death and Hades; these can trouble
us no longer, we who are in Christ. His called ministers exercise these keys to
forgive our sins, as the Gospel shows.
Friday, 22 April 2022—John 20:19–31 —There are two appearances by the risen
Christ in Sunday’s Gospel, each bringing us a great deal of comfort. In the
first, Jesus establishes the Office of the Holy Ministry, and assures us that,
in the words of the catechism, ‘when the called ministers of Christ deal with
us by His divine command, in particular when they…absolve those who repent of
their sins and want to do better, this is just as valid and certain, even in
heaven, as if Christ, our dear Lord, dealt with us Himself.’
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
firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.’ (1 Cor 15:20 )
Saturday, 23 April 2022—The Hymn of
the Day, O Sons and Daughters of
the King (LSB #470), recounts the story of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and
particularly His encounter with Thomas. His words to Thomas are meant for us,
also: ‘How blest are they who have not seen And yet whose faith has constant
been, For they eternal life shall win. Alleluia!’
Collects for the Feast of the Resurrection of Our Lord—Almighty God, through Your
only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You overcame death and opened to us the gate
of everlasting life. We humbly pray that we may live before You in
righteousness and purity forever; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son Jesus
Christ You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us.
Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may
be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus
Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever. Amen.
O God, in the
paschal feast You restore all creation. Continue to send Your heavenly gifts
upon Your people that they may walk in perfect freedom and receive eternal
life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Almighty God,
by the glorious resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ, You destroyed death and
brought life and immortality to light. Grant that we who have been raised with
Him may abide in His presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through
the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Almighty God,
through the resurrection of Your Son You have secured peace for our troubled
consciences. Grant us this peace evermore that trusting in the merit of Your
Son we may come at last to the perfect peace of heaven; through the same Jesus
Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
Prayers from Lutheran Service
Book © 2006Concordia Publishing House
Image
of Christ appearing to St. Thomas found here:
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