Alleluia! He is risen! What a great gift to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! During the Easter season we will often be reading about how Jesus came to spend time with His disciples during the weeks after His resurrection. Today, read part of next Sunday's Gospel passage (John 20:19-23). Jesus speaks of peace. Do you think the disciples needed His peace? What could you draw to show what Jesus' peace looks like?
Level II (1st-2nd) The Sign of Peace and the Breaking of the Bread During the Mass, when Jesus is present on the alter under the signs of bread and wine, the priest invites us to receive Christ's peace much like Jesus Himself did in the Gospel passage for next Sunday. Next, the priest breaks the Host. This one Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist, will then be shared with all who are invited to receive Him. We are all fed by this one food, the life of the Risen Christ. Perhaps you would like to add to your picture of what Jesus' peace looks like, this peace which unites us in Him. | Level III (3rd-6th) The Rite of Reconciliation Return to the Gospel passage mentioned above. After Jesus has shared His peace with the disciples He does something else. He breathes on them. Where else do we hear of God breathing on someone? What do you think this gesture might tell us? Then, in verse 23, Jesus tells the disciples they now have the authority to forgive sins. Was this just for the people in that time or do we experience this gift today? Perhaps this week you would like to write a letter of thanks to God for the gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation or for the Priesthood. He is truly so very good to us! |