2nd Sunday of Easter

Our readings for the 2nd Sunday of Easter are:

1. Acts 4: 32-35
2. Psalms 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24
3. 1 John 5: 1-6
4. John 20: 19-31

1. Community transformed
• Do you think that it's possible to achieve justice in an unjust world?
• What does it mean to be "in the world but not of the world"?
• What sort of people would you invite into a Catholic community of justice?
• What would distinguish them from the world around them?
• How would such a community remain pure?
• How do the Amish do it?
2. Man up
• If someone were to buttonhole you at Church and ask you what your strengths were, what would you say?
• If someone else were to ask the same question of you at your place of employment, what would you say?
• Is there a difference?
• Why?
3. Essence of greatness
• When we think of the great figures in human history, we often think of conquerors, folks who have reshaped entire regions for generations.
• What does it take to be great in the Kingdom of God?
• How great are you?
4. Ready or not
• What does it really mean to be a missioned people?
• To what extent are we all on the same mission?
• How does our mission differe one from another?
• How do we find out how we are being asked to contribute to that one great mission?
• Who are some people in your life who have found that mission in their lives?

Preparation for Reconciliation:

1. When I see a homeless person, what is the first thing that comes to my mind?
2. What have I done this week to develop my strength in God?
3. What have I done this week out of love for another?
4. Are my faith and trust in God building each other?

We'll stay in touch

I had staked so much on Him,
Well, we all had, truth be told.
Even poor Judas for that matter.

That to watch Him topple
Dragged off like a criminal
By those unworthy of Him

Was a death of its own
Except this death lasts
Until you are numb from it.

To ignite hope again
In the ashes of my heart
Seemed folly to me

And so I played it safe
Staying walled up inside
Stout fortress of despair.

But even despair craves company.
And my friends drew me
And it was there He appeared.

Readiant beyond splendor
Present beyond intimate
Joyous in forgiving

His touch so healing
It frightened me
Knowing that an open heart

An open heart will break
Again and again
Bleeding for others in pain

But now my heart unfettered
Fears pain no more
And I am truly healed.

Shalom!