THE GOSPEL
John 20:19-31Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Thomas,
was not at all
rejoiced and was indignant.
He was
imperfect.
In need of mercy,
as are we.
O Lord,
you love us
in our struggles.
Breathe your life into our flawed selves.
Let us find your grace and mercy
when we touch the wounds
in all your children
everywhere.
THE FIRST READING
Acts 5:12-16
They carried their sick out into the street
so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow
might fall on one or another of them.
God,
even through us
you try to heal people
and
bring them
home.
Use our hands, our feet, our words, our breath,
our shadows––as you used Peter’s
––anything you can find in us,
to help fill the world
with healing
and your
grace.
THE SECOND READING
Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19
He touched me with his right hand and said, “Do not be afraid.”
Dear Lord,
you know our distress:
the planet,the injustices, Ukraine,
all these are desperate for your healing.
You say that because of you, death has no power.
We fall down before you in worship.
Please touch us gently,
and tell us
“Do not be afraid.”