During the Easter Season, a season of joyful celebration (for that reason we omit the confession and absolution)-the Scripture readings help us focus on the meaning of Jesus - resurrection for the Church and for us. The readings from Acts picture the new church growing by the Spirit’s power. The readings from the Gospel of John give us a vision of the Risen Christ, present and powerful among the disciples who are about to be sent out at Pentecost to change the world. We are invited to join the host of heaven, the first Christians, and the apostles as we celebrate God’s marvelous resurrection gifts. We are forgiven! We are free! We are made alive! We are Easter people! We shout with word and action: Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!