7Minutes4Jesus

 

3rd Sunday of Easter

(26TH APRIL 2009)

 

 

THE 7 STEPS

 

1.      SILENCE

2.      WORSHIP

3.      SCRIPTURE

READING

4.      MEDITATION

5.      BY HEART

6.      INTERCESSION

7.      COVENANT

PRAYER

 

 

SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 24:35-48

 

…They were still talking about this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’  In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost.  But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts?  Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed.  Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’  And as he said this, he showed them his hands and feet.  Their joy was so great that they could not believe it, and they stood dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything to eat?’  And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes…

 

Meditation: Try to answer as many questions as possible

1.       What happened to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus?  Why weren’t they able to recognize the Risen Jesus?  When did they finally recognize him?   

2.       When Jesus appeared to them, how did they feel?  Who did they think Jesus was?  What made them draw that conclusion?  Was there something different about Jesus?   

3.       Why did Jesus ask them to look at his hands and feet?  What does that prove?   

4.       What was the purpose of Jesus taking the grilled fish and eating it before their eyes?

5.       How were the minds of the disciples opened?  Why is it necessary for the Christ to suffer and on the third day rise from the dead?  What role does the disciple play in this?  

 

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

After the death of Jesus, the disciples were lost.  They did not know what the future holds for them.  They did not know where to go or how to go on with their lives from there onwards. Some decided to go back to their old lives of like (like fishing) and some decided to leave Jerusalem behind.  They lost the one person that makes their life meaningful and the manner in which Jesus was put to death on the cross makes it even more difficult for them to believe that Jesus could still be alive.      

-          What difficulties do we have in believing that Jesus has truly risen from the dead?

-          What were the tragedies or traumatic events which you have encountered recently?  Have they challenged your faith and questioned whether or not God can bring some good out of it?   

But after the resurrection, Jesus appeared to them bearing the marks of the crucifixion and brought them peace to calm their fears and joy to heal their sadness and despair.  It was a life-changing experience to touch Jesus after his resurrection. 

-          What difference can you observe between the disciples after the crucifixion and the disciples after the resurrection?   

-          Without the resurrection of Jesus, could repentance and forgiveness of sins be possible?  Why?  

-          If the resurrection did not happen, what difference could that have in our lives?
 

 

 

Intercessions:

1.       For peace of mind and heart, that the power of the resurrection may permeate with joy into our daily lives

2.       For a greater love and reverence for the Eucharist, that we too may recognize Jesus at the breaking of bread

3.       For perseverance in time of trials, that the sick and suffering may experience the healing power of God

4.       For a deeper love and understanding, that parents may be good examples to their children in words and deeds.

5.       For an opened heart, that those who find it hard to believe in God may be enlightened to see the light of faith

 

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