SOCL, Easter3B
- Admin
- Apr 14, 2024
- 2 min read
April 14, 2024
Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself
See
For the word of God to truly transform into a vibrant living message, it is essential for us to go beyond the mere words on the page. We must strive to hear the underlying message that the Scriptures are conveying to us. It is through the lens of our faith that we can perceive God's voice speaking to us, as we immerse ourselves in the divine narrative of the journeying people of God. This transformative experience does not unfold effortlessly; it necessitates a receptive and attentive spirit, along with a heart that is ready to embrace the wisdom and guidance emanating from the sacred texts.
Listen
Reflect
(Luke 24:35-48)
-When we are not expecting it to happen, even a good event can startle us. So it was with the disciples when Jesus appeared to them. He sought to calm them and helped them to see the good news behind what had initially alarmed them. Who has been a Jesus person for you by helping you to find meaning and good news in life?
-Jesus helped the disciples to find new hope, but he did not give them easy answers. He asked them to see the facts before their eyes. He wanted them to learn from the experience they were having. As a parent, teacher, friend or guide, have you been a Jesus person to another, helping him/her to find hope and purpose in life by learning from his/ her experiences? Who has done this for you?
-The disciples had a resurrection experience. Unexpected possibilities for the future surfaced when it seemed that hope had gone. What have been your resurrection experiences; recovery of health when it did not seem possible, new opportunities after failure or disappointment, inner healing after a deep hurt, etc?
-It took the disciples some time to grasp the meaning of what was happening. It can take us time to learn the deeper lessons of life. Reflect on an example of some lesson about life that you have learned slowly over time?
Pray
Lord, like the disciples, we are often startled by your unexpected presence in our lives. We thank you for the "Jesus people" who help us find meaning and good news amid life's alarms. As Jesus did, they guide us to hope, not through easy answers, but by encouraging us to learn from our experiences. We are grateful for the resurrection moments in our lives – the healing, opportunities, and inner growth that arise when hope seems lost. Teach us, Lord, to be patient in understanding life's deeper lessons, and to trust in your ongoing presence.
Act
-Reflect on Scripture Daily: Spend time daily reading and reflecting on the Bible, seeking to understand its deeper meaning for your life.
-Practice Active Listening: Listen attentively to spiritual teachings and sermons, keeping an open heart and mind to grasp their messages more fully.
-Journal and Pray: Maintain a journal to jot down insights from your spiritual journey and engage in prayer, allowing the Word of God to become alive in your daily experiences.
References
-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024ah, April 14). Third Sunday of Easter. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/041424.cfm
-Sunday readings. (n.d.-s). Hearers of the Word. https://www.tarsus.ie/SundayReadings/
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