We Are Easter People

As Jesus’ disciples, we live in the Kingdom of God present in our world but not yet fulfilled. We are called to participate in God’s Kingdom through Jesus’ Paschal Mystery by living and loving as he did.

1. Begin with a prayer based on Psalm 72.

2. Share these  prophetic words of Pope Saint John Paul II for reflection and discussion to explore the meaning of Easter:

We do not pretend that life is all beauty. We are aware of darkness and sin, of poverty and pain. But we know Jesus has conquered sin and passed through his own pain to the glory of the Resurrection. And we live in the light of his Paschal Mystery—the mystery of his Death and Resurrection. “We are an Easter People and Alleluia is our song!” We are not looking for a shallow joy but rather a joy that comes from faith, that grows through unselfish love, that respects the “fundamental duty of love of neighbor, without which it would be unbecoming to speak of Joy.” We realize that joy is demanding; it demands unselfishness; it demands a readiness to say with Mary: “Be it done unto me according to thy word.”

3.    Reflect upon the Paschal Mystery through art to remind us that God brings new life, hope, and goodness out of our experiences of suffering. This engaging presentation includes prompts for discussion in the notes to teachers.
4.    Lead a guided meditation of the Our Father. 
5.    Invite all gathered to call to mind and share their prayers of thanksgiving and petitions.
6.    Close with Adonai Shalom, a prayer for peace.
7.    Invite all to share a sign of peace.