Opening Prayer

Lord, grant that I may see you more clearly,
love you more dearly, and follow you more nearly,
day by day.

Scripture

Luke 24:6-12

Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be handed over to the hands of sinners and be crucified and on the third day rise again.” Then they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all this to the eleven and to all the rest. Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles. But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened.

Reflection

Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary, the mother of James, and the other women demonstrate remarkable courage and faith by sharing the news of the resurrection with the apostles despite their initial disbelief. Their willingness to proclaim the incredible events they witnessed encourages us to boldly share our own experiences of God’s work in our lives. Even when faced with scepticism or doubt from others, we are called to be steadfast in our testimony, trusting that our witness can inspire and eventually lead others to encounter the truth of the risen Christ.

Peter’s response to the women’s message – running to the tomb and investigating for himself – shows his human nature and continued lack of faith despite all that Jesus taught him. His amazement upon finding the empty tomb and the abandoned linen cloths gives us courage. If we too, are like Peter and find it difficult to believe without seeing with our own eyes, Jesus will be patient with us as He was with Peter, the rock on which He built the Church.

This frees us to actively pursue our own spiritual journey, seeking deeper understanding and personal experiences of God’s presence. By approaching our faith with curiosity and openness, we can uncover profound truths that deepen our relationship with Christ and fill us with awe and wonder.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

We are such value to God that he came to live among us… and to guide us home. He will go to any length to seek us, even to being lifted high upon the cross to draw us back to himself. We can only respond by loving God for his love.

– Saint Catherine of Siena

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.