Call to worship
When Jesus appears to the Apostles after his death, they are afraid. They had not understood what resurrection meant. Jesus made it clear to them and to us that he is fully alive and active in our lives, especially at the moments we can teach, heal and forgive.
- To the point: How concrete Jesus is in leading the disciples to experience and believe in his resurrection! In this gospel he comes to them where they are, he invites them to touch his risen body, and he eats a “piece of baked fish.” How patiently Jesus brings the disciples into the mystery of his risen life! How patiently he brings us into this same mystery: coming to us where we are; touching us with forgiveness; inviting us to come to his table, feeding us with his risen body. He is alive!
- Connecting the Gospel (Luke 24: 35-48) to the first reading: Peter is able to witness to the reality of Jesus’ resurrection and call his hearers to repentance because he has experienced repentance and forgiveness, and the new life this brings.
- Connecting the Gospel to experience: In our judicial system the most credible witnesses are those close to the event. We are witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus — even though we are far removed from the historical event — when we recognize the risen Lord among and within us, forgive and seek forgiveness of one another, and faithfully feast at his table. He is alive!
Centering prayers
The Gospel
(Luke 24: 35-48)
“Touch me and see.”
The disciples are surprised. No, amazed, awed!
He is alive! After death! Christ, you let them feel and see
your hands and feet and you unlock their minds.
Oh Jesus, release our own minds. Let us see you
in the beauty of sun and moon and stars,
in the faces of the needy and forlorn,
in all those risking lives to help,
in the breaking of the bread, in loving our friends.
Let us find you a hundred ways every day.
The First Reading
(Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19)
“The author of life you put to death.”
Author of life, you write the book.
You create the setting and characters.
Then, you enter the story as the main player.
Let us learn who we are.
The Second Reading
(I John 2: 1-5a)
“If anyone does sin, we have an Advocate … not for our sins only
but for those of the whole world. “
Pardon, through you, Jesus, for all people everywhere,
till the end of time. Let us learn to love you
and to love one another.
Let us learn how you love us.
Copyright © 2021, Anne M. Osdieck
Music for reflection