Happy Easter! This week is the First Sunday after Easter. The Scripture readings move into a new theme, as the focus is on the new life we have in Christ and the mission of the Church. The Epistle reading comes from 1 John 5, promising us victory and life in Christ. The Gospel comes from John 20:19-23, and it shows the empowering of the disciples to begin the mission of the Church. The Old Testament lessons come from Numbers, chapters 16 and 22, and show how God will overcome enemies to His church, both those from within and those without.