Scripture Reflection, April 12, 2026, Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)

Acts of the Apostles 2:42-47 1Peter 1:3-9 John 20:19-31

In 1978, I entered graduate school in Pittsburgh. I met a young woman there who was a member of a small faith community of Catholics that was part of a Marianist small faith community of Catholics. Marilyn and I were looking for a spiritual home and we found it with this terrific group of people.

Fast-forward to 1981 and we had relocated to Des Moines, Iowa. We were once again looking for a spiritual home. We settled on a wonderful welcoming parish named Holy Trinity. Shortly thereafter, Marilyn entered the RCIA program there. That program, as well as the Renew program the parish sponsored, became our conduits to deeper faith sharing with members of the parish. Now, 40 years later, we are still finding and participating in small faith communities of one kind or another, rooted in St. Hilary Parish (our home parish for 30 years) and several other groups of devoted Catholics.

I bring this up because of the way it connects with today’s readings. In both the first reading and the gospel we read of people who are growing closer to God and closer to each other through their participation in intimate communities of faith, where participants are focused on growing their relationships with God and with one another.

I imagine many of us are members of what we might call “subsets” of our local parish…small gatherings of people with similar interests - all of whom share a strong love for the Lord. These subsets include: parish bible studies, knitting ministry, Knights of Columbus, book study clubs, social justice programs, St. Vincent DePaul Society, and about a hundred other options.

While there are numerous inspiring ways to pray privately, Christianity is meant to be practiced in community. And when the community is large, as it is in most parishes, some of the most life-changing, life-giving experiences of faith happen in smaller groups. If you are not part of such a group, consider finding one - either there in your home parish or in the larger Catholic community where you live. Let us journey together with God and with one another, always remembering that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith AND that faith is nurtured by meaningful relationships with others who share our joy and our love for the Lord.

by: Bill Miller