WALKING TOGETHER IN MISSION:
MAKING OUR EASTER JOY COMPLETE
The first thing Jesus did in public ministry was to gather a community around him that would carry on the mission of God’s love. During the Easter Season, the readings carry us from his rising from the dead to the community being sent on Pentecost. It is our time to reflect on how we are called to continue the mission.
The Church is engaged in a Synod Process that guides us in what it means to walk together in mission. The purpose of the Synod is to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, and give strength to our hands. Learn more about the Synod.
Aligned with the theme of the synod process, our Reflection Guides are designed to accompany you on a journey from Easter to Pentecost. A fresh approach for Easter: We’ve restructured the Guides to enhance user-friendliness. The Scripture reading and Stories From Others Around the Globe are now integrated within the Guide, eliminating the need for external links. Additionally, instead of an Introduction, a Reflection on the Reading follows each reading, serving to stimulate the faith-sharing segment.
OPENING PRAYER
Create your own sacred space. Light a candle and use symbols. Begin by taking time in silence to enter into the presence of God’s love. Throughout his life, Jesus balanced prayer with action.
1. SEE: WITH STORIES
Reflect on your own personal stories to appreciate how God is present in your lives. Then read together/listen to the stories of others and see how the Spirit is at work in the world.
2. DISCERN WITH OUR FAITH
Read the Gospel together. If you have time, read it twice with a pause in between for everyone to share one word or phrase that spoke to you. Read the Reflection, pause and contemplate on the personal meaning of the Gospel to you. Do some faith sharing by using the guide questions.
3. GO FORTH AND DO JUSTICE
Go deeper and discern how God invites you and your community to go forth as missionary disciples to do justice locally and globally. Each week there is a suggestion on how to deepen your celebration of the Easter JOY so that you can go forth and do justice.
CLOSING PRAYER
Conclude with sharing your intentions, an Our Father, Glory Be, and the closing prayer.