Things to talk about:

• If you were one of the disciples who stayed behind, would you have been doubtful and wanted some real proof of Jesus rising from the dead? Or would you have taken your friends at their word and believed?
• How would you have felt if you were Thomas the second time Jesus appeared?
• Who would you invite if you had a party where Jesus would appear? Why? 
• We are not eyewitnesses to Christ’s Resurrection but we can still place all our trust in the presence of Christ in our lives. Where do you see Christ present in your life?

Things to do:

• The Second Sunday of Easter is the Octave of Easter, the eighth day and is known as Divine Mercy Sunday. The name comes from a revelation by Christ to Sr. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who was canonized in 2000 by St. John Paul II. This feast celebrates the amazing mercy God bestows on those who sincerely seek forgiveness. It is customary to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy today,  usccb.org/prayers/how-pray-chaplet-divine-mercy or see below. Post a picture of the Divine Mercy image on your prayer table at home this week.
• Pope Francis said “Do not forget that God forgives all and God forgives always.” This Gospel story of Thomas also shows us Jesus’ compassion and mercy. He could have responded very differently to Thomas’ lack of faith. Think today of someone who needs your forgiveness and mercy. Pray for them and with Jesus’ help come up with a plan to reconcile with that person and show Jesus’ mercy.
• Make a Paschal Candle to light for the Great 50 Days of Easter. Click HERE for directions.
  
   
   

Closing Prayer

Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Using Rosary beads, the Chaplet begins with the sign of the cross, followed by one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
On the Our Father beads:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the Hail Mary Beads:
For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
After five decades, conclude by reciting three times:
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insight

The Risen Christ dispels the fears of the disciples, who have been in hiding since the time of his death because they were afraid of the religious authorities (CCC, 1808). Jesus shows his wounds not only to prove his identity but to show his power over death. (CCC, 635). He bestows his peace and the Holy Spirit on them and sends them out to proclaim his Gospel and offer the world forgiveness of sin. All who believe in Jesus, whether they have seen him or not, are equally blessed and sent (CCC, 2014).

We are called to reflect on our own encounters with Jesus that brings us to believe fully and proclaim as Thomas did, “MY Lord and MY God!”

Additional key concepts for this week:

Encounter with Jesus– An encounter with Jesus is a real, personal, and objective meeting with the living Christ. We encounter Jesus’ love in the seven sacraments, Scripture, and service to the poor. An encounter with his true presence, transforms our life and deepens our personal relationship with him.

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection