John 20:19-31 is the assigned Gospel text for the Second Sunday of Easter in all three years of the Revised Common Lectionary, used at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Karnes City. This text offers many opportunities for sermonic reflection. Perhaps the most basic of these opportunities is that God reaches out to us through the risen Christ wherever we are in the midst of our struggles, and provides us with what we need to move forward in faith. God did so for the community of disciples, bursting through the fear locked doors where they were gathered and offering them his peace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. God did so with Thomas who had removed himself from the community of disciples and had gone “lone wolf” to deal with his grief.

What might all this mean for us? God provides us with everything we need to do the mission to which we are called. We need not live in fear of inadequacy or of not being provided with the resources that we need. Our job is to discern the gifts present in the community and to discover how best to utilize them in the task of inviting others to come and see; to come and experience the presence of the risen Christ in our midst.

St. Paul’s News and Notes: On Saturday, April 21 at 10 a.m., a workshop on writing basic prayers for use in public worship will be offered. Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Mike Robinson will be leading an Asset Based Planning Event at St. Paul’s on Saturday, May 12, more details as they become available. St. Paul’s is planning their 110th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, May 6; a catered meal will be provided; please bring pictures or other historical items along with a brief written description for a display table; more details as they become available.