Sunday Readings Reflections:

Sunday, March 30, 2008
Saturday in the Octave of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday

READING 1:Acts 2:42-47
Reading 1 Reflection:

What an example of community life our reading from Acts describes! We see how the early Christians shared four basic activities that drew them together. They lived by the teachings of the Twelve, who had been taught by Jesus himself. They shared their possessions with one another. They prayed together daily in the Temple. Lastly, they gathered to celebrate the Eucharist in their homes.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1:

What parts of the life of the early Christians do you find yourself living as a Christian today? How do you do this? In what ways would you like to be more like the early Christians? How can you make efforts to do this?

One sure sign of their unity was that the early Christians shared what they had with those who had less. How will you try to follow this example?

READING 2: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Reading 2 Reflection:

The second reading, written to those who had recently become baptized Christians, helps them to appreciate who they now are. Their Baptism gives them the courage to be different from those who do not have the gift of faith. These Christian converts love Jesus and believe in him, even though they have never seen him. They rejoice greatly as they grow in resurrection faith.

Discussion Questions for Reading 2:

People with a lot of money in the bank generally feel secure, as far as life in this world goes. They know they will never have to "go without." In this letter, Peter assures each one of us that we have an "imperishable inheritance kept in heaven for us." Our inheritance is our very salvation. Because we have faith in Jesus Christ, a faith more precious than gold, we will never have to "go without" God's love, no matter what trials we may have to endure. Our security is found in God's love. How do you live in this security? How can you help others to live in this security?

Gospel: John 20:19-31
Gospel Reflection:

What a surprise for the disciples! The risen Christ comes to them through locked doors, breathes on them, and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." By the power of the Spirit, the disciples will forgive sins and communicate the peace of Jesus himself. However, there is another part to this gospel story. The story revolves around Thomas but it is also about us. Sometimes we are like Thomas and miss the most important part of our faith, belief in Jesus! But "blest" are we who are guided in faith by the Holy Spirit.

Discussion Questions for Gospel:

There are times when a person needs to be alone to think about something, or to deal with a pain or hurt that others might not understand or share. At those times, we might be tempted to "lock the doors" of our hearts to those who may be able to help. Remember that the risen Jesus can come through locked doors! Ask him to send help, perhaps through a parent, teacher, or friend.

Thomas is known as "the Doubter." However sometimes doubt can be a good thing. Why? What did Thomas' doubt lead to? Thomas doubted and we still call him a saint. Doubt was only one part of his path in following Jesus. What is a good way to handle our doubts?

Reflection by:
CYBERFAITH "Catholic resources for the People of Faith"