Mass Readings: May 1

First: Acts 2:42-47
Resp: Psalm 118:2-4,13-15,22-24
Second: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel: John 20:19-31

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

"One of the twelve, Thomas (the name means 'Twin'), was absent when Jesus came. The other disciples kept telling him: 'We have seen the Lord!' His answer was, 'I will never believe it.' " –John 20:24-25

This world of "doubting Thomases" is profoundly unimpressed by our church services and Easter decorations. The stone is not rolled away as far as they are concerned. It sees Christians as hypocrites, who really don't believe the doctrines they mouth.

Jesus comes to the doubting Thomases and says: "If you think seeing is believing, I'll give you something to see." He shows them His wounds like He did Thomas, or knocks them to the ground like He did Saul (Acts 9:4). He calls us, the believers, to share all things in common and sell our property and goods (Acts 2:44-45). Jesus makes His presence and resurrection so concrete even doubting Thomas confesses: "My Lord and My God!" (Jn 20:28)

Will you take resurrection risks? Will you have the courage to show your wounds? Will you put your money where your mouth is? Will you unlock your upper room of fear? (Jn 20:26) Jesus' resurrection Kingdom "does not consist in talk but in power" (1 Cor 4:20). "With power the apostles bore witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 4:33).

PRAYER: "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He Who in His great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead" (1 Pt 1:3).
PROMISE: "Although you have never seen Him, you love Him... and rejoice with inexpressible joy touched with glory because you are achieving faith's goal, your salvation." –1 Pt 1:8-9
PRAISE: Praise the risen Jesus Whose mercy and love has brought us "inexpressible joy!"