Opening Prayer – Easter Sunday
Lord
You conquered death to make us new.
Let us work to die to the things of this world
so we may better reflect your love to others.
Help us to be renewed by the trials we face
so we proclaim Your Word through our lives.
Fill us with kindness, tenderness, peace, humility and joy.
Alleluia!

Journal/Reflection Questions
Acts 10:34a, 37:43
• How do you define the word witness? Do you define it as a noun (person) or a verb (an action)? What is the difference?
• What can you learn from Peter in this reading? What example does he set that we should learn to follow?

Colossians 3:1-4
• Saint Paul tells us we are raised with Christ. What does this mean? How do you live out this truth?
• What does it mean to seek what is above? What does this look like? Write three practical ways you can seek what is above this Easter Season.

John 20:1-9
• Put yourself in the place of the women who came to anoint Jesus’ body. What are your reactions? Would you feel fear? Confusion? What would you do? Who would you tell? What words would you use?
• Name the things in your life you don’t see but you still believe. Are there few or many? What makes it easier to believe after you have seen?

General Questions for Journaling
• How are you a witness of all Jesus did?
• How can you be a better witness to the truth of the Gospels?
• What brings you peace? Describe the feeling of peace/peacefulness. Would you say peace is a state of mind or a feeling of the heart? Is it something that is given to you or something you work for?
• How can you allow peace to control your heart?
• Do you ever experience feelings of confusion? Have you ever been paralyzed by feelings of fear? What was the circumstance and how were you able to overcome or get past these feelings?
• Jesus overcomes death on Easter. What do you believe will happen when you die? What feelings do you have about death?
• How does Jesus live on? How can we find comfort in Jesus’ resurrection?
• Easter is a day of joy. Consider how you can share the joy of Easter with others.

Closing Prayer – from The Story of Redemption for Children,
Copyright by the Gregorian Institute of America, Toledo, OH

They placed Him in a tomb of stone,
Dead, all helpless, and alone.
But Easter morn, before the light,
He rose alive in glory bright.

Challenge for the Week: Consider what moves you to feel compassion. Is it when you see suffering? When someone is sick or dying? When you know someone is doing without or is lonely or alone? Pope Francis calls us to act on our feelings of compassion and to go to the aid or service of others. Make it a point this week to intentionally show compassion toward someone. Go visit a shut-in, send a note to someone who may be feeling lonely, volunteer at a pantry or shelter, help your neighbor who is need, the options are endless. Go forth and show someone compassion; may they see the risen Christ in YOU!