2^nd Sunday of Easter

(19^TH APRIL 2009)

Jesus, I Trust In You

THE 7 STEPS

1.      SILENCE

2.      WORSHIP

3.      SCRIPTURE

READING

4.      MEDITATION

5.      BY HEART

6.      INTERCESSION

7.      COVENANT PRAYER

SCRIPTURE READING: John 20:19-31

…Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them.  The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them.  ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.  Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands.  Give me your hand; put it into my side.  Doubt no longer but believe.’  Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’  Jesus said to him:  ‘You believe because you can see me.  Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe’”

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.       Why were the doors locked?  What were the disciples afraid of?  When the disciples saw Jesus, what was their reaction? 

2.       If the doors were locked, how did Jesus come in?  What does this tell you about the resurrected body of Jesus?       

3.       How many times did Jesus say, “Peace be with you”?  Why is peace important for the disciples?  In your opinion, what was the state of mind of the disciples after the death of Jesus?   

4.       When Thomas put his finger into the hands of Jesus and his hands into his side, was Jesus in any pain?  Why not?       

By Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation

“My peace I give unto you. It is a peace that the world cannot give. It is a peace that the world cannot understand. Peace to know. Peace to live. My peace I give unto you”. 

Jesus’ first words to his disciples after his resurrection was ‘Peace be with you’.  When Jesus was dying on the cross, the disciples all fled in fear and abandoned the Master.  Jesus could have confronted them and demanded an explanation or even worse, punish them.  He had ever right to be angry at them.  But he didn’t.  Instead he gave them the gift of Peace.  This is what we call...DIVINE MERCY.    

-          Have you ever wondered if God is truly able to forgive your sins and failings?

-          Why do we find it difficult to forgive ourselves sometimes? 

-          What difference can knowing that Jesus has risen from the dead make in your life?

There is a verse in a song which goes like this:  “There will be miracles, when you believe, though hope is frail, it’s hard to kill.  Who knows what miracles you can achieve when you believe somehow you will, you will when you believe”. 

-          Seeing is Believing.  Do you agree with this statement?  Why?

Intercessions:

1.       That those who are searching for God may find the joy of believing in the Risen Christ.

2.       That those who are oppressed and persecuted for their faith may renew their zeal to witness to the power of God

3.       That we may experience the peace of the Risen Lord by proclaiming Him, Lord and God.

4.       That those who have died may find eternal joy and happiness in the embrace of the Father

5.       That those who have wandered far away from God may return to the Way, Truth and Life

6.       That those who are sick may find strength and comfort in the passion and resurrection of Jesus

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life:  a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life.  Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth.  Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives.  Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled.  In your name we humbly pray.  Amen