In Relationship with the Risen Christ

Liturgically, Easter Day lasts for eight days – from Easter Sunday through the Sunday after Easter. So, our celebration of Easter Day continues! Then, the season of Easter lasts through Pentecost, which is fifty days after Easter, which falls on June 4 this year.

The gospel reading for Sunday, the Second Sunday of Easter, is always John 20:19-31, which tells the story of Thomas meeting the risen Christ. In the first “act,” Jesus appears to the disciples on Easter evening, but Thomas isn’t there. In the second “act,” which occurs a week later, the Second Sunday of Easter, Jesus again appears, this time with Thomas present.

Through Jesus’ encounter with Thomas we can learn a lot about what it means to be in relationship with the risen Christ. We learn about Jesus’ nature, his work, and his will for us, his disciples.

I look forward to worshipping with you all this Sunday, as we continue to celebrate the resurrection, crying out with Thomas, “My Lord and my God!”

Peace,

Chris