Saint Rita Catholic Church and School in Webster, NY - An Introduction to the Sunday Scripture Readings

"Peace Be With You. Even As The Father Has Sent Me, Even So, I Send You.”

This Sunday begins our liturgical Season of Easter. For the next fifty days until Pentecost Sunday, our first readings will be from the Acts of the Apostles, as the Church helps us recall the birth of Christianity and the emerging Catholic (Universal) Church. Our Epistle readings are mostly from the First Letter of St. John which helps us better understand the person and divinity of Jesus and deepen our spiritual awareness of the Christian community. The Gospel readings are from the Gospel of John which helps us reflect on the appearances of the resurrected Jesus and his words to his disciples.

Our first reading (Acts 4:32-35) helps us see that the early church “was of one heart and mind” as they lived for the common good. The more fortunate among them would voluntarily share their wealth with those in need so there was “no needy person among them.”

Our Epistle reading (1 John 5:1-6) teaches us the importance of loving the Father and believing in the one whom He sent, Jesus, as well as living his commandments. The “water and blood” refer to Christ’s baptism and the shedding of his blood; it also points to our sacraments of Baptism and Holy Eucharist. The Holy Spirit was and is present in both events.

Our Gospel reading (John 10:19-31) is the story of the institution of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus appeared to the apostles in the locked room and at once eased their fears by telling them, “Peace be with you.” He showed them his hands and his side. His very first action since his resurrection was to breathe on them and give them the power to forgive sins. "Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained." We also hear of Jesus’ appearance to Thomas, who forever will be known as the “doubting and believing Thomas”. Here, Thomas offers one of the greatest professions of faith, “My Lord and my God.”

Today is also Divine Mercy Sunday, which calls our attention to the Mercy of God through the person of Jesus. The Divine Mercy image highlights the water and blood flowing from Jesus’ side which points to our sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist. Our prayer, “Jesus, I trust in you” helps us know that Jesus is always with us, especially when we think he is not.