Growing In Faith Together
April 8, 2018
Second Sunday of Easter
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
1 John 1:1-2:2
John 20:19-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Easter season is a week of weeks – 7 Sundays to marvel in the mystery of the resurrection. Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us. With Thomas we ask for a sign; Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread. From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing so that no one among us is in need.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When have you heard a piece of news that changed your life?
* What do you think the disciples were thinking, locked behind those doors on the evening of Easter day? Why do you think they were still behind shut doors a week later, after seeing Jesus alive?
* Since you have not seen the Risen Christ yourself, what keeps you believing?
* 1 John speaks of the Christian life as “walking in the light.” What does that metaphor mean to you? Where do you find the “light” in your walk?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Next Sunday: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Risen Christ, breathe on me your spirit of new life.
Throughout the Day:
May I show the resurrection in all I say and do!
Blessing to Share: May you live within the mystery of faith.
For mealtime say responsively:
Alleluia! Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Find a single white candle for your home this Easter season. Light it each day and say this week’s prayer: Help me believe new things about life and death and may I proclaim “My Lord and my God” at each wonder. Amen
Easter Season Ritual:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, while moving from one thing to another, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism, so also, we will rise with him in the resurrection.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Peace is Christ’s gift to and hope for the community. How do you experience the peace offered by Christ? What are the things that make for peace? Let Christ’s peace guide your actions and interactions with all you encounter this week.
Second Sunday of Easter
TODAY’S TEXTS
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
1 John 1:1-2:2
John 20:19-31
GATHERED BY GRACE
The Easter season is a week of weeks – 7 Sundays to marvel in the mystery of the resurrection. Today we gather with the disciples on the first Easter, and Jesus breathes the Spirit on us. With Thomas we ask for a sign; Jesus offers us his wounded self in the broken bread. From frightened individuals we are transformed into a community of open doors, peace, forgiveness, and material sharing so that no one among us is in need.
Discuss in your household or small group:
* When have you heard a piece of news that changed your life?
* What do you think the disciples were thinking, locked behind those doors on the evening of Easter day? Why do you think they were still behind shut doors a week later, after seeing Jesus alive?
* Since you have not seen the Risen Christ yourself, what keeps you believing?
* 1 John speaks of the Christian life as “walking in the light.” What does that metaphor mean to you? Where do you find the “light” in your walk?
DAILY BIBLE READINGS
These readings are related to the Sunday readings. M-W reflect upon the past Sunday’s readings and Th-Sa prepare for the next Sunday. Try to take time each day to read the assigned Bible passage.
Sunday John 20:19-31
Monday 1 John 2:3-11
Tuesday 1 John 2:12-17
Wednesday Mark 12:18-27
Thursday 1 John 2:18-25
Friday 1 John 2:26-28
Saturday 1 John 3:1-7
Sunday Luke 24:36b-48
Next Sunday: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK
For the Week:
Risen Christ, breathe on me your spirit of new life.
Throughout the Day:
May I show the resurrection in all I say and do!
Blessing to Share: May you live within the mystery of faith.
For mealtime say responsively:
Alleluia! Christ is risen: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Easter Season Mealtime Prayer:
Blessing and glory and wisdom
and thanksgiving and honor and power and might
be to our God forever and ever! Amen!
FOR FURTHER REFLECTION
Devotional Practice:
Find a single white candle for your home this Easter season. Light it each day and say this week’s prayer: Help me believe new things about life and death and may I proclaim “My Lord and my God” at each wonder. Amen
Easter Season Ritual:
Sometimes, we hardly believe that the tomb is empty. During this Easter season of 50 days, open your heart to the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. Start each day with “Christ is risen. Alleluia!” Pause throughout your day, while moving from one thing to another, to remember silently (or aloud) that Christ is risen indeed! At the end of your day pray a word of thanks that even as we died with Jesus in our baptism, so also, we will rise with him in the resurrection.
SCATTERED TO SERVE
Peace is Christ’s gift to and hope for the community. How do you experience the peace offered by Christ? What are the things that make for peace? Let Christ’s peace guide your actions and interactions with all you encounter this week.