People's Prayers: Prayers of the People: Rising to New Heights 2nd Sunday of Easter, Yr B '18

For Sunday, April 8, 2018, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 4:32-35, Psalm 133, 1 John 1:1-2:2, John 20:19-31

With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and a great grace was upon them all. [Acts 4:33]

Oh how good and pleasant it is, when brethren live together in unity! [Psalm 133:1]

...if we walk in the light, as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us all from sin. [1 John 1:7]

But Thomas...was not with them when Jesus came....[and] he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in his side, I will not believe..." [Jesus] said to him, "Have you [now] believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe." [John 20:24, 25b, 29]

Thomas, the ultimate skeptic, carries the load for those among us sometimes reluctant to admit to doubt about faith, questions about God, or a wonder about events recalled in the Bible. By the way, the other Apostles also doubted briefly [see Luke 24:1-12] - so we who have had our own doubts are all in good company. And the company we are in is also the point - those who knew Jesus in their own lifetimes came together as a faith community sharing joy, fellowship, and the necessities of life as followers before and after Christ's Resurrection. Then and in many succeeding generations, those we speak of as early Christians faced tremendous fear and the reality of vicious persecution as many Christians, and many members of other faith traditions, still do in our own day. The continuous re-telling and re-living of our story keeps us connected by remembering the why of our faith even in those moments of faint acceptance or unbelief.
Easter, however, isn't merely a day or a season, it is meant to be our way of life, as Easter People. From the beginning of Advent we are preparing the way for and seeking the glory and joy of the Resurrection, achieved through the great sacrifice and pain that we have experienced through Holy Week and, Good Friday in particular. As we move from Easter Day, rising in faith, we are called to re-examine the manner in which we live our lives through our thoughts, words, and actions with and for everyone we meet. It is in fellowship that we remember, walk in, and reflect the light he himself is in, with peace and the Holy Spirit within us.

In these confusing and difficult times, let us work together to keep and dispense the message of Christ, Peace be with you, as we strive for unity and love wherever we are. Despite our often deep divisions, as well as our occasional doubts, through our companioning and fellowship with one another, God's truth within us, and living in Christ's name, we can rise to new heights of faith - undoubtedly! And oh how good and pleasant it is!

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, release us from the stifling darkness of the sin and doubt of our own making, to accept the cleansing of our souls by Your Resurrection, that bolsters our faith and fellowship in Your name, through every facet of life.

Jesus, Light and Peace of God

RESPONSE: Raise us to new heights in Faith

~ Holy Christ, our Lord and our Messiah, awaken Your great grace within all the lawmakers of our World, our Country, and our Community, and activate a deep desire to pursue unity in peace, health, and well-being, so that no one, anywhere, is further ravaged by war, poverty, or any desperate need. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, Light and Peace of God