Our Sunday readings show the shape of Easter discipleship: a people gathered into communion, strengthened by living hope, and sent out by the mercy of Christ. Missionary disciples are not perfect people; they are people who have encountered the Risen Lord and now live differently. They pray together, endure trials with hope, and become instruments of mercy for others. This is the pattern the bishops describe in missionary discipleship: encounter, accompany, community, and send.

• How is Jesus calling me from fear into mission this week?

• In what concrete way can I help someone else experience the mercy of the Risen Lord?

READINGS FOR THIS SUNDAY AT USCCB

Acts 2:42–47

The first Christians show us that Easter does not remain a private experience. The Risen Lord gathers people into a real community marked by prayer, the breaking of the bread, generosity, and joy. A parish becomes missionary when people can see that Christ is truly alive in the way we worship, share, and care for one another. The Catechism teaches that the Eucharist brings about the unity of believers and that the Church is truly a communion. 

How is the Risen Jesus inviting me to strengthen communion in my parish, home, or neighborhood?

1 Peter 1:3–9

Saint Peter speaks to believers who have not seen Jesus with their eyes, yet love him and trust him. This is the beauty of Christian faith: it is not naïve optimism, but a living hope tested in trial and purified by love. The Catechism teaches that faith is a gift by which we entrust ourselves to God, and that faith can be tested while still remaining full of hope. 

Where is the Lord asking me to trust him more deeply, even without seeing the whole path clearly?

John 20:19–31

The Risen Jesus enters a locked room and speaks peace. He does not begin with reproach, but with mercy. He breathes the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and sends them to continue his reconciling mission. Then he meets Thomas in his doubt and leads him to faith. Here we see that the Church is born from mercy, peace, and mission. Christ still comes to fearful hearts, wounded hearts, and doubting hearts. 

What locked door in my heart needs to be opened to the peace and mercy of the Risen Christ?

We Lift Up These Petitions in Faith...

• For all who gather in trust for the Divine Mercy Chaplet, may they receive Christ’s mercy, be healed in heart, and become witnesses of His compassion in the world.
• For all who reflect on Scripture and justice during our Taizé Prayer Service, may the Spirit deepen their faith and send them forth as courageous witnesses to peace and love.
• For our parish community, may our Designer Bag Benefit strengthen fellowship, support our students, and inspire generosity rooted in Christ’s love for all. 
• For all parish ministries meeting this week, may the Holy Spirit guide their work and bless their service.

Reflections For Adults

• Lectio Divina at Catholic.Bible by USCCB
• Sacred Space by Irish Jesuits

Reflections for the Family

Jesus is alive, and that changes how we live at home. The early Christians prayed together and shared what they had. Saint Peter reminds us to keep trusting Jesus even when life is hard. In the Gospel, Jesus brings peace to frightened friends and is patient with Thomas. Families with small children can remember this: Jesus comes into ordinary rooms, brings peace, and teaches us to love one another with joy and mercy.

• How can our family make more room for prayer and peace this week?

• How can we show kindness and patience to one another the way Jesus does?

Sunday Reflection from the LA Archdiocese Office of Religious Education