Lectio Divina for The Second Week of Easter
Read the following Scripture two or three times:
John 20:19-31
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were,
for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When
he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me so I send you.” And when he
had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you retain
are retained.”
Thomas, called Didymus, one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples
said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nail marks and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
Now a week later his disciples were again inside and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the
Doors were locked, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas,
“Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring yo ur hand and put it into my side, and do not be
Unbelieving, but believe.” Thomas answered and said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him,
“Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have
believed.”
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But
these are written that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that through
this belief you may have life in his name.
Meditation
After the reading, take some time to reflect in silence on or more of the following questions:
– What word or words in this passage caught your attention?
– What in this passage comforted you?
– What in this passage challenged you?
Contemplation
Read the Scripture again, followed by this reflection:
What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me?
Peace be with you. In what aspects of my life do I need to seek greater peace? How can I be a peacemaker in my family or community?
As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Where is God sending me? How can I respond more fully to his
call?
Do not be unbelieving, but believe. What circumstance cause me to doubt or struggle in faith? What people
Or events strengthen my faith?
After a period of silent reflection recite the Lord’s Prayer.
Living the Word This Week
How can I make my life a gift for others in charity?
Pray for peace in your community and in the world and prayerfully consider participating in the peace
efforts of your parish or diocese.
