Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were altogether in Solomon's Portico. None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.    Acts 5:12-16

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!

We continue the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in our church calendar and in our lives. The Bible reading from the book of Acts gives us a glimpse of how those first apostles continued in their celebration. They were busy! Busy proclaiming the great mystery of faith, that Jesus Christ is risen and through God's Holy Spirit is working in the lives of all who believe. Those first apostles prayed together, worshiped God and saw the sick healed by the power of the Risen Christ. Others witnessed this as well and came to believe what the apostles were saying. Word spread so that people from many different places gathered to hear and see the miracles taking place in Jesus' name.

That same power and excitement is alive for us today. The power of the risen Christ is at work in our lives individually and together as church. We gather from different places to hear again the stories of faith, to pray and share in the meal of salvation, to praise the One who makes us whole and well. God's Holy Spirit is at work in us as we invite others to come and share in the Easter celebration.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen
Christ is Risen, Indeed!

Continue to show us the miracles taking place in your name, O Risen One. Continue to make us whole and well. Give us the power of your Holy Spirit so that we dare to speak your name and invite others to know you. Bless us this week as we continue to celebrate the power of your resurrection. Amen.

Contributed by Tracie
Sunday April 15, 2007
Liturgical Year C Week 20