Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- Acts 2:14a, 22-32
- Psalm 16
Second Reading
- 1 Peter 1:3-9
Gospel
- John 20:19-31
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
Peter, in part of his Pentecost sermon to the pilgrims and residents in Jerusalem, reminds them that they were aware of the powerful signs and wonders that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. But he was proven stronger even than death when God raised him, an event David himself had predicted of the Messiah in the Psalms. Peter and the other disciples are indeed witnesses to this fact. In today’s Psalm David affirms his total commitment to YAHWEH and rejoices in the benefits of so doing. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave. In his first letter St. Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus has absolutely secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. This fact is a source of deep joy even in times of trials that test the reality of our faith. St. John tells of two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. In the first appearance, on Easter evening, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his mission. In the second, one week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and then uses the opportunity to especially bless those who come to faith without seeing his risen body.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
Peter, in part of his Pentecost sermon to the pilgrims and residents in Jerusalem, reminds them that they were aware of the powerful signs and wonders that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. But he was proven stronger even than death when God raised him, an event David himself had predicted of the Messiah in the Psalms. Peter and the other disciples are indeed witnesses to this fact.
Psalm
In today’s Psalm David affirms his total commitment to YAHWEH and rejoices in the benefits of so doing. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave.
New Testament
In his first letter St. Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus has absolutely secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. This fact is a source of deep joy even in times of trials that test the reality of our faith.
Gospel
St. John tells of two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. In the first appearance, on Easter evening, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his mission. In the second, one week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and then uses the opportunity to especially bless those who come to faith without seeing his risen body.