2nd Sunday of Easter
April 12, 2026
Introduction
In today’s gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection in our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter the first two readings will be from the Acts of the Apostles and the first letter of Peter. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receive in baptism.
Lessons
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Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Christ’s resurrection: the fulfillment of God’s promise to David
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Psalm 16
In your presence there is fullness of joy. (Ps. 16:11)
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1 Peter 1:3-9
New birth to a living hope through the resurrection
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John 20:19-31
Beholding the wounds of the risen Christ
Hymns:
361 The Day of Resurrection
635 We Walk By Faith
619 I know That My Redeemer Lives
Communion:
638 Blessed Assurance
Commentary
Welcomed with Open Arms
Thomas is not the only one missing from the assembly the Sunday after Easter Sunday. We are not told why Thomas is missing, but we do know why plenty of other folks are absent from the assembly: vacations, traveling, spring break for the kids.
Thomas is criticized for doubting, but he asks for nothing more than the same experience of the risen Christ the rest of the disciples had. By the grace of God, Jesus returns a second time and offers his body as living proof to Thomas. In the presence of Jesus, Thomas discovers he did not need the proof he demanded. Thomas’ story is our story. We are not always where we need to be. Sometimes we even find ourselves in places we should not be at all. But Jesus comes to us, seeking us out and giving us the gift of faith. Thomas is not criticized, he is not condemned. Instead Jesus loves Thomas back into a relationship and shows the disciples what the words “Peace be with you” mean when lived out.
The resurrection promise can be heard through Peter’s powerful preaching in the reading from Acts as well. Jesus will triumph over death. Peter points to Jesus’ death on the cross, but what of the little ways we die? The loss of relationships, the ending of friendships, the pain of being alone and left out, the despair of losing a job, the doubt that comes on the heels of a negative diagnosis. Jesus comes to bring a holy peace and resurrection into the world in these times as well. This Sunday is an opportunity to proclaim the power of the resurrection and the grace of God, who welcomes Thomas with open arms.
A Prayer for Easter
Creator God and Lord of Life, You call us forth from the darkness of death and into the light of your love. We rejoice, on this Easter Sunday, in the resurrection from the dead of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Visit us with Your bright blessings of peace and life.
Lord God, You loved this world so much that you gave your one and only Son so that we can be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace Of Easter Sunday, every day. Give us hearts of thankfulness for your sacrifice, give us have eyes that look upon Your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace.
Father God, we thank you that for many generations your church has followed the example of those first disciples and proclaimed the resurrection of your Son. We pray that today your church throughout the world will continue to proclaim with joy the truth and wonder of your risen Son.
We pray that all Christians will work together to build up your family, and that any of your people being persecuted for their faith may find peace, hope and fresh strength in the good news of Easter.
Creator God, we thank you for the delightful sights and sounds of Spring, that show us the wonders of your creation. By your Spirit’s power make us aware of how we can be better stewards of your world, to care for it and everything that lives on it.
Merciful God, we thank you for all the efforts of Peacemakers around the world, working to bring peace to war-torn nations and trying to get waring people to talk to, and listen to each other. We pray that world leaders and people of influence would play their part too, that they would strive for truth, justice, reconciliation and peace around the world. We pray for all nations of the world, that people will learn to live together with respect and love for one another.
Faithful God, we thank you for our community, our families and friends. We thank you for the people who taught us about you by their lives, love and actions. We pray especially for those do not know you yet, that during the coming weeks they will come to understand more of the message of Easter and your promise of life and love for them, and that they may be drawn closer to you by our witness and the work of your Holy Spirit.
We pray that you will roll away their burdens, open their hearts to your peace and healing and fill their lives with the light of your glory.
Loving God, we thank you for all the people who have been working so hard over this last year, to care for those in our hospitals, the grieving, the panicking and the lost. We pray for all who feel trapped by pain, loss or depression, those who are suffering, physically, mentally or spiritually.
Faithful God, as we leave church today, we pray that we may shine your love in our families, our church and community, so that all can see that we are followers of the Risen Christ.
Amen