Easter 2A (RCL) – A Preacher’s Ponderings

The wounds of Christ

Second Sunday of Easter; 16 April 2023; Easter 2A (RCL); Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31.

The Second Sunday of Easter is often called Thomas Sunday, as we always have this reading from John’s Gospel. However, I think this passage has less to do with Thomas (who provides a literary foil for John’s purpose) than with the wounds of Christ. Thomas doesn’t doubt; he refuses to believe, unless and until he sees and touches the wounds.

Closed doors

Second Sunday of Easter; 19 April 2020; Easter 2A (RCL); Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31.

The reading from John’s Gospel seems more relevant this year than ever. Here we are, locked in our houses with the doors closed for fear of COVID-19, and Jesus comes and stands in our midst anyway. And if we’ve ever needed the assurance that the resurrection happens despite our fear, this is the year.