This page was updated 02/01/2008 08:30 PM Click here for Men of Epiphany home page

Sharing in the Easter Joy of the Father at Jesus’ Resurrection

Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Sunday
Acts 10:34,37-43
Psalm 118:1-2,16-17,22-23
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-9

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

Can’t you just imagine the conversation that God had with Jesus on the first Easter? So often we think about what God wants to say to us, but today let’s think about the joy and accolades that the Father gave to Jesus.

“My Son, I am so glad that the trial is over and that you have triumphed. You endured the shame and the hatred of a people who did not understand that you came for them. Your love was shunned, yet you gave it so freely. I am so proud that you turned your cheek even when you were spit upon. I am so proud that you showed my people what true love looks like.

“Thank you, my Son, for bringing my people home. Your death has torn in two the veil that separated us. Your blood has washed away their sins. No longer do they have to hide as Adam and Eve did. Instead, they can now come into the light and receive all the healing and joy I have stored up for them.

“My Son, you are coming back to me. How I long to embrace you and clothe you in glory once more. You have defeated sin, and once more you can see me in my fullness. We are no longer separated! You are leaving those you have loved with an everlasting love, but each of them will join you one day in the kingdom, where the angels will dance and the elders will bow down in worship. That day is coming, Son, when we all will be together at last.

“O my people, see the victory my Son has gained for you. Come join in the celebration feast. You were lost but are now found. You were blind but now can see. Come now, and share in our love!”

“Dear Jesus, we love you! Thank you for your gift of eternal life. You have made it possible for us to return to the Father and to know his love intimately. Who are we that you would love us this much? No less than your very own children. All praise and glory to you now and forever!”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.    Easter is the feast of feasts, the greatest joy and gladness of all Christians. It has been said that Christians should be an "alleluia people"! Could you be called an alleluia person? Why or why not?

2.    In the first reading, we hear Peter witnessing to Christ's passion and resurrection. Why do you believe it is difficult for many Catholic men to witness to others about Jesus? In what ways do you find it difficult? Share some times when you have shared with someone about Jesus? What was the result?

3.    In the Responsorial Psalm, our response is “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.” What is it about your faith in Christ that causes you to “rejoice and be glad”?

4.    If we have risen with Christ our life should be entirely changed. In the second reading we are urged to remove the "old yeast," those things which influenced us in the past, and replace it with a "fresh batch of dough," which is Christ. During Lent and Holy Week, what has the Lord shown you that needs to be removed from your life so that you can feed on Christ? What new beginnings does he want you to initiate?

5.    In the Gospel we read that the disciples finally saw the empty tomb and believed. What have you “seen” during the Lenten season and Holy Week that has deepened your faith in Jesus? Is there anything in your life that is keeping you from whole-heartedly believing?

6.    What additional steps can you take to ensure that the renewal in your life that has occurred during Lent and Holy Week can become permanent and not fade away after a few weeks?

7.    In the meditation, we are called to share in the Father’s love and the Father’s joy in the resurrection of his Son. Take some time at the end of your meeting to pray the prayer at the end of the meditation, and ask the Lord to reveal his love for you in a deeper way? Share any fruits of this prayer, and your ongoing prayers, at the next meeting.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen