THOUGHTS FOR THIS WEEK

Readings

Acts 5:27-32: The apostles, who were previously arrested and were freed from prison by an angel, are arrested again for refusing to stop preaching about Jesus, and when challenged declare that they must obey God rather than human beings.

Psalm 118:14-29: Here in the second week of Easter, we are still in the thick of celebrating the resurrection of Christ. Psalm 118:17 says, “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” With the knowledge of the good news—that life and love can defy death itself—we are charged to go out and declare the impact that God has on us. Hallelujah!

Revelation 1:4-8: John’s introduction to the Revelation, praises Jesus as the resurrected witness, the one who has given us life, and who is God eternal.

John 20:19-31: Thomas, who is not present at the first appearance of Jesus to the disciples, is confronted with the Risen Christ, and invited to put his doubts to rest. He responds by affirming his faith in the Risen One.

Rev Tania writes:

In a world of cynicism and suffering, it can be tempting to see celebration as something flippant, irrelevant and heartless. However, in the light of the resurrection, and in witness to Christ, celebration takes on a prophetic character. This week as we continue to remember the resurrection of Christ and the life it brings, we are also called to the prophetic work of celebration. This week’s readings invite us into a powerful shift—from doubt to faith, from fear to boldness, and from sorrow to celebration. While Thomas’ story often leads us to reflect on doubt, perhaps we focus on it more than Jesus does. The real heart of the passage is not Thomas’ skepticism, but his transformation—the moment he moves from questioning to declaring, “My Lord and my God!” If we embrace the theme of praise and celebration, these readings become both uplifting and deeply challenging. In Acts, the disciples refuse to be silenced. Their faith in Jesus fuels their courage, making them unshakable in the face of opposition. In Psalm 118, worship becomes a triumphant response to God’s goodness, turning grief and struggle into a final expression of joy. Revelation paints a breathtaking vision of hope, where John’s worship of the Risen Christ compels him to proclaim the ultimate victory of grace. And in John’s Gospel, Thomas’ journey is not just about belief—it’s an invitation for all of us to step into a life of celebration and witness. The call of the readings this week is clear: respond to the resurrection with joy that fuels action. Let worship transform doubt into faith, fear into courage, and sorrow into hope. The risen Christ opens every door—so let’s step through with hearts full of praise.

Rev Tania