are given through the resurrection of Christ

Act.4.32-35

Psalm 118.19-26

1 John 1.1-7

John 20.19-31

On this glorious Sunday, the first Sunday after Easter, we gather with hearts full of gratitude and praise for the wondrous event of the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, we delve into the profound implications of Christ’s resurrection on our lives – how it brings us joy and peace, empowers us with new life, and fills us with the assurance of His presence. Our scripture passages from Acts, Psalms, Epistles, and the Gospel of John illuminate these truths, particularly through the encounter of Thomas with the risen Lord.

1. Joy (Acts 4:32-35 & Psalm 118:19-26)

In Acts, we witness the early believers living in joyful harmony, sharing everything they had, and testifying to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power. Their unity and generosity stemmed from their profound understanding of the joy found in Christ’s victory over death. Similarly, Psalm 118 rejoices in the salvation brought by the resurrected Lord, proclaiming, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us of God’s faithfulness, filling our hearts with a joy that surpasses all understanding.Just as a child eagerly awaits the dawn of a new day, let us await each day with anticipation and joy, knowing that Christ’s resurrection has ushered in a new era of hope and redemption.

2. Peace (1 John 1:1-7)

In 1 John, the apostle testifies to the reality of the risen Christ whom they have seen, heard, and touched. He assures us that fellowship with God is possible through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. The resurrection brings us reconciliation with God, removing the barrier of sin and restoring our relationship with Him. This reconciliation fills our hearts with the peace that transcends all understanding, anchoring us in the assurance of God’s love and forgiveness.Just as a storm-tossed sea finds tranquillity in the embrace of the shore, let us find peace in the loving arms of our resurrected Saviour, who calms the storms of our lives and brings us to rest in Him.

3. Power (John 20:19-31)

The Gospel of John recounts the appearances of the risen Jesus to His disciples, demonstrating His power over sin and death. Despite their fear and doubt, Jesus appears in their midst, offering them peace and commissioning them with the Holy Spirit. Thomas, in particular, experiences a transformative encounter with the risen Lord, moving from doubt to confession, declaring, “My Lord and my God!” The resurrection empowers us to live boldly for Christ, knowing that He has conquered death and equipped us with His Spirit to fulfil His purposes.Just as a dormant seed bursts forth with new life when touched by the warmth of the sun, let us be empowered by the resurrection of Christ to bear fruit in every season of our lives, shining forth His light in a dark world.

New Life (John 20:19-31)

In the same passage, Jesus breathes new life into His disciples, imparting to them the authority to forgive sins and proclaim the good news of salvation. The resurrection is not merely an event of the past but a present reality that transforms our lives here and now. It offers us the promise of eternal life, free from the bondage of sin and death, and invites us to embrace the abundant life that Christ offers.Just as a caterpillar undergoes metamorphosis, emerging from its cocoon as a beautiful butterfly, let us embrace the new life offered to us through the resurrection of Christ, shedding our old selves and becoming new creations in Him. The Apostle Thomas, often referred to as “Doubting Thomas,” is a prominent figure in the New Testament known for his scepticism regarding Jesus’ resurrection. His story, as recorded in the Gospel of John, provides valuable insights into the nature of faith and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ.Thomas was one of the twelve disciples chosen by Jesus during His earthly ministry. He was a loyal follower of Jesus and shared in the experiences and teachings of the other disciples. However, when Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, Thomas was not present. Upon hearing the disciples’ testimony that they had seen the Lord, Thomas expressed his doubt, stating that unless he saw the wounds of Jesus and touched them, he would not believe. Thomas’ response is often viewed as a moment of weakness or lack of faith. However, it also reflects a genuine desire for tangible evidence of the resurrection. Thomas wanted to have a personal encounter with Jesus, to experience His presence in a tangible way. This longing for assurance is something many of us can relate to, as we grapple with doubts and uncertainties in our own faith journeys.Despite his initial scepticism, Thomas’ encounter with the risen Jesus transformed his doubt into profound conviction. When Jesus appeared to the disciples again, Thomas was present, and Jesus invited him to touch His wounds, addressing Thomas’ doubts directly. In that moment, Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” His confession of faith is a powerful declaration of Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and the Son of God. Thomas’ story reminds us that doubt is not necessarily incompatible with faith. Rather, it is a natural aspect of the human experience, and it can serve as a catalyst for deeper understanding and belief. Jesus meets us in our doubts and uncertainties, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him.After his encounter with the risen Christ, Thomas became a bold and faithful witness to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. He travelled to distant lands, proclaiming the gospel and ultimately laying down his life for his faith. Thomas’ transformation from doubter to disciple exemplifies the power of encountering the risen Christ to change lives and inspire devotion. The story of the Apostle Thomas teaches us valuable lessons about faith, doubt, and the transformative power of encountering the risen Christ. Like Thomas, may we seek authentic encounters with Jesus, allowing His presence to dispel our doubts and strengthen our faith. And may we, like Thomas, boldly proclaim Jesus as our Lord and our God, living lives that testify to the reality of His resurrection. Moreover, this is the Thomas who came to India and preached the Gospel first time in the history of Christianity. Beloved brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the significance of Christ’s resurrection, may we be filled with joy and peace, empowered by His Spirit, and renewed with the hope of new life. Let us echo the words of Thomas, declaring with confidence, “My Lord and my God!” May the reality of the risen Christ transform every aspect of our lives, guiding us in the path of righteousness and leading us to dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and rose victorious from the grave. May the truth of His resurrection fill our hearts with joy, peace, and hope, empowering us to live as witnesses of Your love and grace. Help us, Lord, to embrace the new life offered to us through Christ, and to walk in the power of His Spirit each day. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.