Second Sunday in Easter - Year A


DEDICATED TO THE BREAKING OF BREAD

The book of Acts describes the lifestyle of early Christians. They form a pure communist (communal) society. Each person contributes the common pool and receives an allotment of food. Of special note is the "breaking of bread".
It was common to use large sheets of flat bread as utensils at a meal. Pieces of bread would be broken off to pick up greasy food. Normally the host would break his portion first. Jesus established a precedent of not taking his section first, thus making himself the last to get bread. This was a wonderful lesson in charity--thinking of others first.

The dedicated themselves to the breaking of the bread and to prayer.

 

Faith more precious than gold tested in fire.
Behind lacked doors for fear.

BEHIND LOCKED DOORS

The first Christians were victims of state terrorism. The sudden arrest and death of Jesus provoked a climate of fear and apprehension among the apostles. They assemble inside a locked room--probably that of the Last Supper. The terror is so great that one apostle, Thomas, is reluctant to approach them even in seclusion. The locks are not only on the doors but on their minds and faith. Jesus breaks through with a powerful witness of love. He gives them power to unlock souls as well as portals.

Related: Resources on Sunday Readings - Clipart, homelies, articles, coloring pages, music: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

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