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First Reading - Acts 5:29-42

Psalm - Psalm 148:1-14

Second Reading - 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel - John 20:19-31

Under ordinary circumstances, this would not have been an exchange that would lend peace. Jesus appears out of nowhere. This alone might have caused racing heartbeats. So he says, “Peace be with you.” Then he shows them his hands and side. Again, this probably would have been more cause for fear than for peace. They saw what had been done to their Lord and must have felt all the more justified for having shut and locked the doors. They feared the same might happen to them. So, again Jesus says to them, “Peace be with you.” Then the most frightening thing of all happens: Jesus tells his disciples that just as the Father had sent him into the world, so he was sending them. At this point, Jesus gives them his Spirit to remind them of his peace when they were sent into the world. Without his Spirit, his peace would not have been received.

First Reading - Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Psalm - Psalm 116:1-14

Second Reading - 1 Peter 1:17-25

Gospel - Luke 24:13-35

The Emmaus story tells us of two dejected disciples who seem to know about the empty tomb. They also knew of Jesus’ claim that the Son of Man would rise on the third day (Luke 9:22, 18:33, 24:7). So why are they dejected when the tomb is empty and it would seem Jesus delivered on his promise of resurrection? Jesus was not found when the tomb was searched. The Lord, in the guise of a stranger on the road, urges them to believe what was written in the Scriptures. But their faith is lacking, and they confess that their hopes are dashed (Luke 24:21).

Jesus does not give up on them. He tarries long enough to explain the necessity of his death and resurrection and that this is fulfillment of Scriptures. Then he breaks bread with them — and they recognize him as their Lord.

Sometimes hope eludes us, even when we're faced with Scripture and clear evidence. But the Lord will not quit us. He will help us in our unbelief through his Spirit working in us through the Word. 

First Reading - Acts 2:42-47

Psalm - Psalm 23:1-6

Second Reading - 1 Peter 2:19-25

Gospel - John 10:1-10

Our Gospel lesson (John 10:1-10) echoes all the readings today, informing us that the only clear and objective way to hear the Shepherd’s voice is in his Word. Through listening to his voice and obeying the word of the Shepherd, we find access to the sheepfold again and again. He is the only entrance to salvation (John 10:9, 14:6).