Third Sunday of Easter Year B

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

Luke 24: 35-48 So you see how it is written

that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.

The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread. They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes.

Then he told them, ‘This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms has to be fulfilled.’ He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readin gs

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us. cluster.alpha@outlook.com

As so often before, Jesus teaches in the context of a meal: whilst people are seated and sharing food - such a good time to talk about one's faith. I'm sure his disciples had many questions!

Food sharing & faith sharing: that's Alpha and connect groups. Sadly it's not what happens at Mass.

How can we encourage people to speak more freely about their Christian beliefs and values?
What questions about Jesus still arise in the midst of your faith ? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

Prayers of Intercession

In today's Gospel Jesus stood among his disciples and said to them

Peace be with you

May we accept the peace you offer us, and share that peace,

with our families, our friends, our neighbours and everyone we encounter.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our resurrection and Life

For Pope Francis, as he appeals to those in power, to negotiate a path to peace,

for the millions of people caught up in conflict Worldwide.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our Resurrection and Life

For people and Nations at war, that the risen Lord will turn their hearts from violence, and guide them to a peaceful solution.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our Resurrection and Life

For World leaders, that they may be given the wisdom and courage, to work toward achieving peace and justice for all.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our Resurrection and Life

For all those newly welcomed into the life of the Church, that they may be united in heart and soul and may be a sign of God’s transforming and merciful love.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our Resurrection and Life

For ourselves that we may be at peace and that we may reflect the peace of Christ in all that we say and do.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our Resurrection and Life

For the sick, those in hospital and all who care for them and everyone on the Prayer Foundation list, may God grant them peace and comfort, courage and perseverance.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our Resurrection and Life

For those who have died in particular:

William Young, Sr.Margaret Service, [Kate Selby’s sister] Father Andrew Monaghan, Kathleen Coyle, Peter Simmons, Jean Lugton, Jan Newton, Paddy Brock and those whose anniversaries occur at this time, that they may be granted the peace and blessings of the God’s Kingdom and that those who mourn them find comfort in God’s unconditional love.

Hear us Risen Lord

Our Resurrection and Life

Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN

Preparing for next week - Fourth Sunday of Easter B

John 10:11-18 The good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep

Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep.
The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep.
‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me
and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well.They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd.
‘The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again; and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

We often forget that we are all shepherds not just those of us who are ordained.

How many in our community do we know by name? How many do we confide in?

Maybe time to hit the teas/coffees after Mass and enlarge our "flock"!

When you read Jesus talking about "other sheep... not of this fold" who comes to mind?
Whom are you shepherding in your life right now, and who shepherds you? *