Second Sunday of Easter - Reflection by Canon Leslie

Today is the Second Sunday of Easter, when the Gospel reading is John’s account of Jesus’ coming and standing among his disciples on the evening of Easter Day.  Thomas, who was not present when Jesus came, refused to believe without proper evidence.  A week later (the Sunday following Easter Day) Jesus came and stood among his disciples again.  This time Thomas was there and Jesus provided him with the evidence he needed.  Thomas saw and heard and touched the risen Jesus, and then he believed.  But Jesus said ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.’ 
 
For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of hearing. In today’s picture from his book, The Windy Day, Teddy Horsley pricks up his ears to help him hear more clearly.  
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Risen Lord, 
you made yourself known to doubting Thomas. 
When we, too, are surrounded by doubts, 
help us to hear your voice; 
for you are alive and reign for ever. 
Amen. 
 
Next week, the Third Sunday of Easter, the Gospel reading is John’s account of the risen Jesus’ appearance at the lakeside where he cooked fish for the disciples on a charcoal fire.  The image to help us for next week’s theme is having breakfast. You can find out more about that theme here https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html. We would really appreciate you letting us know how you are using these materials.