This page was updated 04/11/2007 08:36 PM Click here for Men of Epiphany home page

Men of Epiphany will be meeting this Saturday, April 7th, 6:30 a.m. in the Hearth room. If you can make it, this study is a marvelous preparation for each week's Mass readings.

Invite someone to come with you!

Click here for a PDF of this week's study.   Click here for the study in a Word document. 

The Resurrection of Jesus, Our Source of New Life

Sunday, April 8, 2007
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)

Today is the Sunday of all Sundays, the great celebration of the resurrection of Jesus! On this day, we join with the disciples as they race to the tomb and discover it empty. We don’t have to linger on the outside with our doubts and fears. We can accompany the beloved disciple who went into the tomb and “saw and believed” (John 20:8). Then, with Mary Magdalene, we can receive Jesus as our risen Lord.

During Lent, we searched our hearts to find the stones that block us from the resurrection life. Now Jesus has rolled back these stones so that we can enter into a life of freedom and hope and joy. Let this be a day of celebration! Jesus has triumphed over every obstacle. He has obtained everything we need. We can rest in him, knowing that we are secure.

Let’s stay close to Jesus in the joy of the resurrection. Though world events may be cause for serious concern, though the “unpredictables” of daily life may challenge our patience and trust, Jesus is with us. He wants the joy and stone-moving power of this day to be available to us always. In faith, we can pursue the lifetime goal of continual resurrections over everything that keeps us from recognizing our privileged position as a “beloved disciple.”

Now is the time to raise your head and “set your minds on things that are above” (Colossians 3:2). Just as John looked inside the empty tomb and believed, we believe that the same Jesus who died and was thought to be gone forever is now alive. Our faith in his resurrection means we can put our trust in his entire life. All his words are true. All his promises—and all our hopes and dreams—will be fulfilled. As the light of the resurrection dawns with increasing brilliance, let your Easter alleluia burst forth!

“What a beautiful life you have given me, Lord Jesus! Let me sing the glorious hope that comes from your resurrection. With each day—but especially today—make my joy a gift to you, a grateful acknowledgment of the love you have for me.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1.     In the first reading, Peter presents a clear presentation of the basic Gospel message to the gentile, Cornelius, and his relatives and friends. The result is that they are all converted and filled with the Holy Spirit – a powerful demonstration of the power of the Gospel when it is spoken clearly. What part of Peter’s talk stood out most to you? If the opportunity arose for you to present the basic Gospel message to someone or to a group, what would you say? If this would be a struggle for you, what steps can you take to prepare yourself for these opportunities?

2.     The Responsorial Psalm 118 is a beautiful psalm that points prophetically to the mission and work of Jesus? Verses 22-23 of this psalm are “The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. By the Lord, has this been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.” Why do you think this verse is then followed by the words “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad”?

3.     How would you apply the second reading from the Epistle to the Colossians to how we should live out each day? What steps can we take to “Think of what is above, not what is on earth” (Colossians 3:2)? What do you think the following words mean? “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (3:3).

4.     In the Gospel reading, how would you characterize Peter and John’s reaction to the empty tomb? The empty tomb had a profound impact on Peter and John’s lives. How has the truth of the empty tomb affected your life?

5.     In the mediation, we hear these words: “During Lent, we searched our hearts to find the stones that block us from the resurrection life. Now Jesus has rolled back these stones so that we can enter into a life of freedom and hope and joy.” What are the “stones that block” you from the new life you have in Jesus? In what way did your Lenten practices make a difference in removing any blockages to this new life? What additional steps can you take during this grace-filled Easter season?

6.     Using the prayer at the end of the meditation as a starting point, pray for one another to receive more deeply the peace, love, joy, and freedom that Jesus won for you through his death and resurrection.

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