The Octave of Easter

John 20:19-31

The post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to the apostles, with Thomas not present, was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to anyone in the history of the world. They were convinced that Jesus was alive again, that they had actually seen Him with their own eyes, and heard Him with their own ears.

Acts. 4:13-21 & Mk. 16:9-15

Faith is a gift from God. It is not something we can earn or acquire by our own efforts. No one knows why God apparently gives it to one and not to another. A person can read the whole Bible, study the best of theologians, listen to the most persuasive of preachers and still not have the faith.

Acts. 4:1-12 & Jn. 21:1-14

Bewildered by recent events and wondering what to do with their lives, the apostles decided to go fishing again in today's Gospel reading. After a fruitless night a man they did not at first recognise appeared on the shore and helped them to catch a huge haul of fish. When John realised that it was Jesus he pointed this out to Peter. Peter was so excited that he jumped into the water and waded ashore, to find Jesus preparing a breakfast of fish and bread.

Acts. 3:11-26 & Lk. 24:35-48

The apostles needed a great deal of reassuring that Jesus had risen from the dead. He had already appeared to them on Easter Sunday and shown them His wounded body to prove that He was alive and risen. Yet it appears from today's Gospel reading that there were still doubts in their minds.

Acts. 3:1-10 & Lk. 24:13-35

Acts. 2:36-41 & Jn. 20:11-18

Acts. 2:14, 22-33 & Mt. 28: 8-15

One of the striking things about Jesus’ Resurrection appearances is that each time He meets someone He sends them on a mission to tell others the good news. They are to be His witnesses of the new Easter truth that He is risen.

Acts. 4:13-21 & Mk. 16:9-15

Faith is a gift from God. It is not something we can earn or acquire by our own efforts. No one knows why God apparently gives it to one and not to another. A person can read the whole Bible, study the best of theologians, listen to the most persuasive of preachers and still not have the faith.

Acts. 4:1-12 & Jn. 21:1-14

Bewildered by recent events and wondering what to do with their lives, the apostles decided to go fishing again in today's Gospel reading. After a fruitless night a man they did not at first recognise appeared on the shore and helped them to catch a huge haul of fish. When John realised that it was Jesus he pointed this out to Peter. Peter was so excited that he jumped into the water and waded ashore, to find Jesus preparing a breakfast of fish and bread.

Acts. 3:11-26 & Lk. 24:35-48

The apostles needed a great deal of reassuring that Jesus had risen from the dead. He had already appeared to them on Easter Sunday and shown them His wounded body to prove that He was alive and risen. Yet it appears from today's Gospel reading that there were still doubts in their minds.