On the Back Porch
Reading, pondering and studying God’s Word is sometimes best done “on the back porch.” Each week we will try to offer something for you and your “back porch time.”
2nd Sundy of Easter, Year B
Divine Mercy Sunday
What We Celebrate
Although a week has passed since Easter Sunday, the gospel text for the 2nd Sunday of Easter is always taken from the Gospel of John 20:19-30. The gospel conveys an account from the events that unfold on Easter Sunday later that evening as well as one week later when the Apostle Thomas is at last present in the Upper Room. The Gospel is filled with key moments:
- The Risen Jesus appears to the Apostles and disciples gathered;
- Jesus “breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the holy Spirit”;
- Jesus conveyed the authority to forgive sins in the name of God; and
- Thomas’ encounter with the Risen Jesus.
It is Easter, so sit with the Word of God for an “extra” moment on the comfort of your back porch.
Divine Mercy
The 2nd Sunday of Easter is also designated and celebrated as Divine Mercy Sunday. Jesus tells us that as his followers, we must show mercy to others just as our heavenly Father shows mercy to us. But how can we do that if we don’t understand what mercy is?