The First Reading was Acts 4:32-35. This is an account of the gathering of the first Christians to establish a church and how they shared all their belongings so no one was left in need. “…everything they owned was held in common.”
The Second Reading was 1 John 1:1-2:2 John tells how they are disclosing everything that they have seen, heard, and touched with their hands regarding the word of life. He states how Christ’s disciples are recording things so the world will know the words of Christ. He speaks of Christ as being the light and if we walk in his ways we will be in the light. However, if we sin we will be in darkness. The blessing is that if we confess our sins to Jesus, he will forgive us. Jesus is now our advocate to God and his sacrifice will save us from our sins.
The Gospel of John 20:19-31 was read by Reverend Johnston. Jesus appears on the first day of the week to the disciples and tells them, “Peace be with you.” He then breathed the Holy Spirit on them to be their counselor when he goes to be with his Father. In this account it tells of “doubting Thomas” who could not believe Jesus was alive again until he saw for himself and felt him. Reverend Johnston commented that these passages in the Gospel of John had so much to say to us. This was the first day after the resurrection of Christ, and he appeared to the disciples in a locked room to let them witness his resurrection. Thomas was not present and could not believe what they told him. Jesus appeared again when Thomas was there and had him touch his hands and side. Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” This was the first time that anyone had called Jesus “God.” Jesus was to spend forty days teaching and training the disciples to carry on his work on earth. Jesus had fulfilled his purpose and his death and resurrection was the first day of a new creation. The gift of the Holy Spirit is given to those who believe and it gives them a new life. The healing breath of God and the Holy Spirit take away our sins and make a new life for the world.
Wednesday, April 18, St. Matthew’s will have a vestry meeting at 5:30 p.m., a light supper at 6 p.m., and then Bible study at 6:30 p.m. Next Sunday’s service at 9 a.m. will be conducted by Reverend Gina Frnka. We welcome all to attend.
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