SOCL, Easter3A

Sunday, April 19, 2026

See

We come to Easter faith by acknowledging the hungers of the heart (“our own hope had been”), by searching the scriptures (“our hearts burning within us”), by holding on to the story of the first disciples and witness of the women, by the Eucharist (“the breaking of the bread”) and by sharing our faith (“they told their story”). Is there more? As the story starts, he stops them. Towards the end of the story, they stop him from walking out of their lives, perhaps for ever. The moment of desire leads to the moment of recognition and a life-changing encounter.

Listen

Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35

Reflect

(Luke 24: 13-35)

Jesus joined them and listened to them. “We had hoped....” They poured out to Jesus their disappointments. When you have been upset or disappointed who has joined you along the road? To whom have you been able to pour out your heart? Who was a ‘Jesus person’ to you, listening to you in respectful silence? To whom have you been a Jesus person?

Jesus then helps them to see things in another light by opening the scriptures to them. Have you had the experience of new hopes being formed after disappointment? When has your heart been burning within you? What helped you to form new hopes in the light of the new reality? Who was with you in this?

The disciples invite Jesus to join them at table - there follows a recognition of who he is. We meet many people on the road of life. Usually we meet and pass on. Occasionally we meet someone whom we invite into our homes, into our hearts, in a deeper way, and in a way that leads us to know people and to be known by them in a way we had not done before. With whom has this happened for you? Where in these relationships have you experienced the presence of God or of Jesus?

Jesus vanished but first he had given them life and they took up life in a new way. Can you name those moments of disclosure that enabled you to return to daily life renewed?

Pray

O God of mystery, out of death you delivered Christ Jesus, and he walked in hidden glory with his disciples. Stir up our faith, that our hearts may burn within us at the sound of his word, and our eyes be opened to recognise him in the breaking of the bread.Grant this through Jesus Christ, the first-born from the dead, who lives with you now and always in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

One another, Easter3A

April 19, 2026

Acts 2:14, 22-33; Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35

O God, your Son remained with his disciples after his resurrection, teaching them to love all people as neighbors. As his disciples in this age, we offer our prayers on behalf of the universe in which we are privileged to live and our neighbors with whom we share it.

For the church: that as we break the bread and share the cup, Christ may reveal himself more and more to us and strengthen us to be faithful disciples: let us pray to the Lord.

For all Christians: that the freedom brought by the resurrection may enable us to live with purpose and help others to forsake the fruitless pursuits of power, fame, and wealth: let us pray to the Lord.

For wisdom: that as we bring our lives, experiences, and relationships to the Eucharist each week, the Scriptures may help us recognize that Christ is with us in every aspect of life: let us pray to the Lord.

For a deepening of our love and hunger for the Word of God: that through reading and praying the scriptures, our hearts may be set on fire, and our commitment to God grow: let us pray to the Lord.

For all in our community: that the Spirit will guide our daily journeys and enable us to ease fear, bring hope, and offer encouragement to those who touch our lives: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are on significant journeys, for missionaries, pilgrims, aid workers, and those discerning their life vocation: that God will protect them from harm, lead them safely to their destination, and help them be aware of God’s presence with them: let us pray to the Lord.

For a deeper appreciation of the gift of the Eucharist: that we may be strengthened each week as we celebrate God's love in the liturgy and come to recognize Jesus more readily in our lives: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are awaiting the sacraments of initiation: that God will sustain them, help them to deepen their commitment, and grow in their desire to serve God each day: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are recovering from storms: that God will give them strength and courage to rebuild their lives, guide them to the resources that they need, and help all to help one another: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who study, teach, or participate in scripture discussion or prayer groups: that the Spirit will guide their pursuit of God’s Word and help them to witness to God’s message in their lives: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are ill: that God’s healing love will relieve their pain, strengthen their minds and bodies, and make fruitful their treatments and therapies: let us pray to the Lord.

For all seeking employment: that God will guide them to good opportunities where their gifts can grow and develop, and where they will contribute to the good of society: let us pray to the Lord.

For all who are in isolation: that they may find companionship with God through the scriptures, recall with gratitude all who are significant in their life, and encourage others who are alone: let us pray to the Lord.

For peace: that God will inspire leaders with courage and new ideas to end warfare in Iran,  Lebanon, and Ukraine, open new avenues for negotiations, and bring forth structures that promote safety and justice for all: let us pray to the Lord.

Open our hearts to your power moving around us and between us and within us, until your glory is revealed in our love of both friend and enemy, in communities transformed by justice and compassion, and in the healing of all that is broken. Amen.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2026ab, April 19). Third Sunday of Easter. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041926.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.

SOCL, Easter2A

Sunday, April 12, 2026

See

How did any of us make the journey towards faith in Christ? No doubt a great part of it is simply what we received—usually from family. At some point, did I make a conscious choice? Perhaps at other times, I felt like walking away from the faith project? What kept me going? Did a more personal ownership of faith result? Perhaps I felt the intuition of John O’Donahue, “Faith is helpless attraction to the divine.” In spite of everything, in spite of myself, somehow it is part of who I am.

Listen

Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Reflect

(John 20: 19-31)

“Peace be with you” was the greeting of Jesus on meeting his frightened apostles. Who has come to you bringing peace at times when you were afraid? To whom have you been able to bring peace?

Thomas, doubting and questioning, is possibly a person with whom we can identify. What part have doubting and questioning played on your faith journey? How has your faith been strengthened by such moments?

Note the way that Jesus dealt with Thomas. He did not give out because he doubted. He accepted how he felt and led him along to see the truth of his resurrection. Who has been that kind of teacher for you, gently taking you from where you were and leading you to a deeper knowledge about some truth about life? For whom have you been that kind of teacher?

“Blessed are they who have not seen and yet believed”. That requires great trust. Perhaps you have had the experience of being trusted without having to justify every step along the way. What was it like to be trusted in that way? Who have you been able to trust in a similar manner?

Pray

God of life, source of all faith, through the waters of baptism you have raised us up in Christ and given us life that endures. Day by day, refine our faith that we who have not seen the Christ, may truly confess him as our Lord and God, and share the blessedness of those who believe. Grant this through Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who lives and signs with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.