Praying with Sunday's Scriptures
Editor's note: To help small faith-sharing groups, couples, individuals and others continuing the Renew 2000 experience of praying with the Sunday Scripture readings, a Diocesan Faith Sharing Writing Team has prepared a weekly series for Lent using the Renew model. It will appear in The Compass the week before that Sunday.
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2nd Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday)
April 15, 2007
Reading I: Acts 5:12-16
Reading II: Revelation 1:9-11a,12-13,17-19
Gospel: John 20:19-31 |
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By Patti Christensen and Anissa Lodzinski
Focus: During the Mass of Canonization of St. Faustina on April 30, 2000, Pope John Paul II decreed that the Second Sunday of Easter would be called Divine Mercy Sunday. The readings focus on mercy, trust, and the forgiveness of sins.
Opening Prayer
Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know you. Let the rays of your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in you, and of those who as yet do not know you, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love you. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of your mercy for endless ages. Amen. (Taken from the Divine Mercy Novena)
Scripture Sharing
Read the Scriptures aloud. Pause for a moment between the readings. Each group member is invited to share an idea from one of the readings that had an impact on him or her.
Reflection
Seeing is believing - that's true for so many of us. It was even true for the disciples in today's gospel. Thomas gets the bad press, but a careful reading of this passage tells us that none of the disciples rejoiced until Jesus showed them his hands and side. They were all cowering in a corner up until then. Thomas just opened his mouth about it! We don't have the luxury of seeing Jesus or his wounds today, and yet we believe in his abundant and abiding presence among us. That's our faith. Jesus lived, Jesus loved, Jesus died and opened the gates of heaven to us. We are each called to live as lovers and believers of that message, and to build up the kingdom of God here on earth.
Faith Sharing
1. If you had been Thomas in today's gospel, how would you have responded to the disciples when they said Jesus was alive?
2. When are some times in your life when you have doubted Jesus' presence?
3. How have you been able to overcome your doubts and fears about your faith?
Suggested Action Response
1. Today's gospel also speaks about forgiveness. Think about someone whom you have struggled to forgive and ask God for the strength to reach out in forgiveness.
2. Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday. This week, volunteer to help at a local food pantry, homeless shelter, or help an elderly neighbor with household chores or shopping.
3. Show God's mercy and love to someone who is in a hospital or nursing home by a visit to them.
Closing Prayer -- (Individuals offer their prayer
intentions, then all pray together)
Loving and merciful God,
you show us your love in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
Confirm us in our faith so that we may always be faithful witnesses of your presence and love.
Send your blessing upon us that we might be strengthened to do your will.
We ask this through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
(Lodzinski is the associate director of worship for the Green Bay Diocese. Christensen is the diocesan director of spirituality & evangelization. Both are members of the Diocesan Writing Team for Faith Sharing Sessions, 2007.)
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