Our first reading (Acts 4:32-35) paints an idyllic portrait of the earliest Church: they held all things in common, and no one among the believers suffered from a lack of anything. This radical redistribution of wealth does not seem to be an enforced 'law of the Church', and it had its ups and downs as a general rule: we hear later that some of the widows in the community were not receiving help. But this picture should still present us with a challenge. Christians were bound by a spirit of self giving love, agape, which had a profound effect on the way they lived their lives.
     What ways might we find to express that same spirit in our time, when we seem more and more isolated from one another, when houses are built with big private back yards, but no front porches? Can our Church communities once again offer an alternate vision?


     Our second reading (1 John 1:2-2:2) is a reflection on the reality of sin, even in a post-easter world.   Christians still get sucked into the power of sin, and one of the most insidious effects of sin is self-deception: part of our sinfulness is refusing to take responsiblity for our sin. The way out of this crazy cycle is found in the sacrifice of Christ. In him we see our need for forgiveness. In solidarity with him, we find the forgiveness we need.
    This insight is part of the Twelve Steps process:  the first step in recovery is recognizing you have a problem.  For John, we are all Recovering Sinners.


     The gospel reading for the second Sunday of Easter tells the story of Jesus' encounter with the disciples in the room where they had locked themselves away, in their fear and confusion after the crucifixion.  (John 20:19-31). He breathes on them, and they recieve the Holy Spirit: Jesus quite literally inspires them.  This is also the story of Thomas, often called Doubting Thomas, unfairly in my view.  Thomas does not ask for anything more than the other disciple have received: he needs to know that it is the real Jesus they have seen, and he will know the real Jesus by His scars.  Thomas responds with the most profound and complete profession of faith in the gospels: "My Lord and my God!" 
     Notice that the disciples' encounters with the risen Jesus are both challenging and comforting.  They are challenged to remember the reality of His suffering. They are challenged to leave their locked room and go out into the world. At the same time they are comforted, and empowered, by Jesus words of peace, and His gift of the Spirit.  Perhaps that mix of challenge and comfort is a mark of all genuine encounters with the Risen One, for the first disciples, and for us.

Happy Easter to all, and welcome to the Blog! Comments? Thoughts? Post them up!  We invite you to consider this "Bible Study for people who don't always have time for Bible Study".