April 24 - One Bread, One Body

April 24, Divine Mercy Sunday

Cycle C Readings:
1) Acts 5:12-16
Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24
2) Revelation 1:9-11, 12:13, 17-19
John 20:19-31

I Believe

“These have been recorded to help you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, so that through this faith you may have life in His name.” —John 20:31

Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Has this last week been one of the greatest weeks in your life, not because of what you’ve done, but because of what the risen Lord has done? Or are you still locked in the upper room with all the doubting Thomases and fearful disciples? “Do not persist in your unbelief, but believe!” (Jn 20:27)

“There is nothing to fear” (Rv 1:17). Jesus is “the First and the Last and the One Who lives” (Rv 1:17-18). He once was dead but now He lives — “forever and ever” (Rv 1:18). He is “rich in mercy” (Eph 2:4).

Respond to Him: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) Because you believe, “many signs and wonders” will occur “among the people” (Acts 5:12). Because you believe, “more and more believers, men and women in great numbers” will be “continually added to the Lord” (Acts 5:14). Because you believe, crowds will gather, “bringing their sick” and those “troubled by unclean spirits” (Acts 5:16), all of whom will be cured (Acts 5:16).

Jesus is out of the tomb forever. Yet many parts of His Body remain entombed. We must roll away the stone of doubt and come out into the glory of the risen Son. Easter is for believers. “Blest are they who have not seen and have believed” (Jn 20:29).

Prayer: Father, change my heart and my lifestyle. Through my witness of faith, bring many people to new freedom in Your Son.

Promise: “There is nothing to fear.” — Rv 1:17

Praise: “If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him” (2 Tm 2:11). Jesus, thank You for Your mercy.

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2022.

†Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio August 3, 2021.

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.