Second Sunday of Easter [C], April 15, 2007

Readings
Acts 5:12-16
Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
John 20:19-31

Calendar
April 22: Earth Day
April 23: Anniversary of the death of Cesar Chavez

Quotes
We may all be tempted by the disbelief of Thomas. Suffering, evil, injustice, death, especially when it strikes the innocent such as children who are victims of war and terrorism, of sickness and hunger, does not all of this put our faith to the test? Paradoxically the disbelief of Thomas is most valuable to us in these cases because it helps to purify all false concepts of God and leads us to discover his true face: the face of a God who, in Christ, has taken upon himself the wounds of injured humanity. Benedict XVI, Urbi and Orbi Message, Easter 2007

The Old Testament prophets emphasize that worship and prayer are not pleasing to God unless they are accompanied by practical works of justice and charity. Following the Great Jubilee, we must acknowledge the call to commit ourselves ever more generously to working for justice and the liberation of the oppressed. The experience of the Jubilee should inspire the members of the Church to draw on her rich heritage of social teaching, and to put it into practice by promoting a greater spirit of solidarity, generosity and fraternity in society and in the international community. May all Christians open their hearts to the needs of others and put into practice the words of the Book of Deuteronomy: "you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother or sister, but you shall open your hand to him or her." (15:7-8).
Pope John Paul II, General Audience, January 10, 2001

What do we want the Church to do? We don't ask for more cathedrals. We don't ask for bigger churches of fine gifts. We ask for its presence with us, beside us, as Christ among us. We ask the Church to sacrifice with the people for social change, for justice, and for love of brother. We don't ask for words. We ask for deeds. We don't ask for paternalism. We ask for servanthood.
Cesar Chavez

Thoughts for Your Consideration
The experience of Resurrection results not simply in a good feeling but in the transformation or renewal of our life and action. Resurrection is not just about some future day after we die. It is also about the world today--the world of objects, people, creation, and beauty; the world that experiences both sin and evil as well as justice and peace; the world with all its struggles and its possibilities. If we believe in Resurrection then we should expect to see some signs of it. Community is formed. Fear is dispelled. Reconciliation becomes real. The work of justice and peace takes place. Society is transformed. There is a new heaven and a new earth.

Today's scriptures give us some of these signs:

• John receives a call to write down the message and share it.
• A growing community gathers in Solomon's portico.
• Signs and wonders occur in the early church.
• Thomas and later a great number of people come to faith.
• Many are healed.
• "Bad spirits" are driven out.
• The message is "Do not be afraid," and "Peace be with you."
• Spirit is given for the forgiveness of sin.

What signs and wonders do we see today?
What signs of faith?
What signs of faith expressed in deeds?
What signs of the forgiveness of sin?
What signs of the forgiveness of social sin?
What signs of reconciliation between peoples and nations?
What signs of work for justice and peace?

Questions for Reflection in your Faith Sharing Group
What evidence of Resurrection have you experienced in your life?
In your community?

Actions - Links

• Earth Day, which occurs annually on April 22, involves tens of thousands of events, from rallies and teach-outs to concerts and earth fairs throughout the world. Visit the Earth Day Network Web Site for more information.
• The Spirituality Resources of the Brisbane Catholic Justice and Peace Commission in Australia can be found at www.uq.net.au/cjpc/spirit.htm. One page of their website provides a link to a website about a social issue to form a global way of the cross. Please see: www.uq.net.au/cjpc/webcross.htm.

Prayers of Intercession

Response: Risen Jesus, lead us to new life.

For a deeper faith that will be lived in the works of justice and peace, we pray. . .

For a powerful faith that will lead our world to an effective respect for life, we pray. . .

For an end to the death and suffering that follows from our wars and fighting, we pray. . .

For a new spirit of care and respect for every human person, we pray. . .

For a new spirit of joyful acceptance of our diversity, we pray. . .

For a renewed human community, healed of all divisions, we pray. . .

Prayer

Prayer for Justice and Peace

God, source of all light,
we are surrounded by the darkness of
the injustices experienced by your people,
the poor who are hungry and who search for shelter,
the sick who seek relief,
and the downtrodden who seek help in their hopelessness.

Surround us and fill us with your Spirit who is Light.
Lead us in your way to be light to your people.
Help our parish to be salt for our community
as we share your love with those caught in the struggles of life.

We desire to be your presence to the least among us
and to know your presence in them as we work through you
to bring justice and peace to this world in desperate need.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Found at the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities website (http://www.accunet.org/paj/display.asp?article=20) citing the source: Communities of Salt and Light Parish Resource Manual