Theme of the Day: The Living Lord Gives Proof and Peace
In most world religions, the alleged foundational event was experienced by only one person. A self-proclaimed prophet would allege he alone had some special encounter with God. “No really! Just trust me. It really happened.” The resurrection reality is so very different. In the Great Resurrection Chapter, St. Paul writes an entire paragraph listing all the people to whom Jesus appeared after he rose, including a group of over five hundred at one time. It is like St. Paul is telling skeptics, “You don’t need to take my word for it. Hundreds of us saw Jesus back from the dead.”
The proof of Jesus’ resurrection brought peace and strength to those early believers. They knew there was more to their existence than just their time on earth. They knew the reality that eternal life was theirs, a gift from their living Lord. It gave them incredible joy and courage. May the resurrection reality give us the same.
John 20:19-31
Acts 18:1-11
1 John 1:1-4
Psalm 16A
468 – These Things Did Thomas Count as Real
456 – O Sons and Daughters of the King
444 – Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won
452 – The Strife Is O’er, the Battle Done
464 – I Am Content! My Jesus Lives Again
Prayer of the Day: O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace. Come to us also by Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed. Alleluia.