April 11, 2021

Second Sunday of Easter

Readings:

Acts 4:32-35 The believers share their possessions.

Psalm 148 “His majesty is above earth and heaven.”

1 John 1:1-2:2 “We walk in the light.”

John 20:19-31 Jesus appears to the disciples and to Thomas.

COLLECT OF THE DAY

Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, You Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

THEME

Jesus’ resurrection shapes believers and doubters. Having defied closed doors, Jesus mysteriously interjects His words, “Peace be with you,” to the disciples. So also later, with doubting Thomas, He repeats, “Peace be with you.” The resurrected Christ, with maimed hands and side, can beget nothing less than eternal hope, peace, and forgiveness. As we, too, bear witness to Christ’s wounds, the Holy Spirit breathes into us a vibrant faith so we confess Jesus to be the resurrected Lord and Savior.

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Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Martin Luther’s Evening Prayer

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over

Amen.