Easter Sunday

 

Opening Prayer

Savior

Each new day brings

new promise

Even when it is dark

and cold and rugged

The path we walk with YOU

is filled with opportunity

To walk with YOU

is our greatest adventure!

 

Journal/Reflection Questions

Acts 10:34a, 37-43

• How is your life a witness to all God has accomplished through Jesus’ birth, teachings, miracles, parables, suffering, death and resurrection? Reflect and see if you can come up with an example of how each have been lived out in your life.
• Identify your source of strength when you witness (testify) to God’s love, mercy, forgiveness, etc.

 Colossians 3:1-4

• How have died to allow God to live?
• What about heaven do you most long for? Describe what you will see, feel, hear, touch and smell.

 John 20:1-9

• Can you relate to the fear the women and the disciples had when they saw the tomb open? Share a specific experience and how it affects your perspective.
• What makes you believe in Jesus’ resurrection? How do you believe in what you have not seen?

 

General Questions for Journaling

• Who are the people in your life who have your back? How do you know?
• Where do you turn when you are seeking an answer to a decision or facing a hard choice? Where is Jesus in the decision making process?
• How do you hide your faith from others? Who are those whom you hide your faith from and why?  Are there people whom you hide your faith but are the ones who most need to hear the message?
• Draw a picture of your heart. What does it look like?  What does it contain?  Use your imagination to create an image of the condition of your heart.
• Where do you see compassion lived out in the world, your community, your family? From your view is compassion in a draught season or a harvest season?
• How has your Lenten experience helped you prepare for the Triduum?
• Did what you gave up or took on this Lent help you to grow in relationship with Jesus? How have you been changed from the experience?

 

Closing Prayer

Leader:  May we surrender ourselves

ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we pursue justice

 ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we seek and give reconciliation

 ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we turn away from sin

ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we relinquish our will

ALL:  for the sake of the Gospel.

Leader:  May we open the tomb within

ALL:  and live out the Gospel!

 

Challenge for the Week:   You can witness or observe many things.  This week try to keep count of the positive things you witness and use your words and actions to encourage those who displayed the behavior.  Then try to use the examples you “witnessed” to be a “witness” (testify) to the good you saw in others.  It could be something as simple as sharing how you saw someone open and hold the door for another, witnessed a simple act of kindness or charity, or were witness to an act of mercy or forgiveness.  We can often get wrapped up in ourselves or the evil in the world and forget to look around at the goodness.  The tomb has been open for thousands of years…how are your spreading the Good News?  Be a witness by allowing Jesus’ light to shine through!