APRIL 11  SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER (OR SUNDAY OF DIVINE MERCY)

Acts 4:32-35/1 Jn 5:1-6/Jn 20:19-31 

12 Mon Easter Weekday Acts 4:23-31/Jn 3:1-8 

13 Tue Easter Weekday [Saint Martin I, Pope and Martyr]

Acts 4:32-37/Jn 3:7b-15 

14 Wed Easter Weekday Acts 5:17-26/Jn 3:16-21 

15 Thu Easter Weekday Acts 5:27-33/Jn 3:31-36 

16 Fri Glorious Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ: Acts 5: 1-7/Jn 20: 24-29

       Easter Weekday Acts 5:34-42/Jn 6:1-15 

17 Sat Easter Weekday Acts 6:1-7/Jn 6:16-21 

Readings here.

The church grows gradually after the resurrection as the followers of Jesus meet him, but they’re slow to believe. The Apostle Thomas is an example of their skepticism. The week’s gospel readings from John introduce us to another group slow to believe– people like Nicodemus, who comes to Jesus by night. A supposedly well-informed religious person, Nicodemus only understands Jesus Christ slowly. 

Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles describes the witness of the apostles  in the temple after the Holy Spirit comes upon them at Pentecost. “Uneducated, ordinary men,”  the temple leaders call them, but they continue to proclaim boldly God’s mighty works in Jesus Christ. Told to end their witness, they cannot. “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.” They’re persecuted, yet the number of believers grows.

Monday’s reading from Acts  describes the apostles’ return “to their own people”, believers like them who recognize they’re being persecuted as Jesus was. They pray, and the Holy Spirit tells them to continue “to speak the word of God.” Those who follow Jesus experience what he did.

On Friday we begin reading about the miracle of the loaves from John’s gospel,  chapter 6, an important reading for the Easter season. The reading, continues into the following week; the mystery of the Eucharist has a major place in the Easter season. It’s a sign the Risen Jesus remains with us. 

On Friday, the Passionists celebrate the Feast of the Glorious Wounds of Jesus Christ. The easter season is a time to see glory in wounds.

Readings for the week here.

Morning and Evening Prayers, Week 2, www.praydaybyday.org

Children’s Prayers:   http://www.ourchildrenpray.com