People's Prayers: Prayers of the People: Undoubtedly? 2nd Sunday of Easter, Yr. B

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Prayers of the People: Undoubtedly? 2nd Sunday of Easter, Yr. B

for April 12, 2015, Second Sunday of Easter, Year B, Readings: Acts 4:32-35, Ps 133, 1 John 1:1-2:2, John 20:19-31

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 often gets a bad rap by the nickname "Doubting Thomas"and becomes a sort of a scapegoat to carry the load for the rest of us. But I wonder ~ has anyone of you never had a doubt about your faith, questions about God, or a wonder about the events recalled in the Bible? If not, please come and have a cup of coffee with me and let me revel in the clarity and steadfastness of your beliefs. I envy that (only marginally, not 7 Deadly-level-ENVY mind you!), as I do have questions now and then, a moment here and there, and the occasional wonder. And that is why I'm so comforted by today's Gospel. Thomas is very real for me - and 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, indeed, is also the point - those who knew Jesus in their own life-time came together as a faith community sharing joy, fellowship, and life's necessities, as followers of the Resurrected Christ.

We also come together as a community and relive and re-tell the story of our faith through each season in the Church year. Let us remember, this time, that Easter isn't merely a day or a season, it is meant to be our way of life. We of the faith are Easter People, living into the promise of the Resurrection of our Messiah to new and eternal life. Let us keep the message of Christ alive as we strive for unity and love despite our divisions and occasional doubts, and that through our companioning and fellowship with one another, we will all see our Christ when we, too, believe. Undoubtedly.

LET US, GOD’S PEOPLE, PRAY

Leader: ~ Holy Christ, Righteous Lord, we often walk in the stifling darkness of sin and doubt that is of our own making. Help us to breathe in the clear air of pure faith in You, and receive the blessing of life evermore, as ordained by Almighty God.

Jesus, Light of God,

RESPONSE: Help us feel Your unseen Presence and believe!

~ Holy Christ, Righteous Lord, let Your great grace fall upon the leaders of this world, our nation, and our community so that we may live together in the peace and promise of Your resurrection, and no one is left in need. We pray especially for: add your own petitions

Jesus, Light of God