Lenten Bible Study
using the readings from Sunday Mass
For RCIA/OCIA and Liturgical Cycle Year A (2005, 2008)

Easter Sunday
Read:
Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Colossians 3:1-4 or 1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
John 20:1-9

Are you ready to proclaim the Good News about how Jesus has helped you? Or do you hesitate because don't yet understand how the deaths in your life have been resurrected into new life, how the tragedies and other difficulties have led you into triumphs and great blessings? This was the mental state of the disciples on the first Easter morning, as depicted in the Gospel of John.

The attitude of Peter in the reading from Acts is quite a contrast! The disciples now know their calling - they were commissioned to testify and to teach that Jesus is the Savior. To "testify" means to share the truth based on your own experiences. Peter specifically proclaimed that everyone who believes in Jesus receives forgiveness of sins. Of course! Peter knew first-hand what it's like to need and then receive forgiveness.

We will not understand how our sufferings lead us to new life until we start talking about it. The first inklings of insight awaken when we discuss it within our close, holy friendships, like Mary of Magdala did when she ran to Peter and John after discovering the empty tomb. They, in turn, told the other disciples. It was while they were together, in community, that Jesus appeared and revealed the full truth to them. Later, with the help of the Holy Spirit, they evangelized the world by sharing their experiences with anyone ready to listen.

Questions for Reflection and Faith Sharing

1. The empty tomb doesn't immediately make sense. What has been confusing to you during your faith journey? What has caused you to feel empty and frightened? Where might Jesus be in this?

2. How have your own experiences of being forgiven enabled you to feel more compassionate toward others? Does that change the way you talk to them about God and church and other spiritual or moral issues?

3. What is the biggest change Jesus has brought into your life? What were you like before this happened? How did God intervene? What were the results? This is your testimony. Practice sharing it by telling the story to your small Christian community.

Question for Moving Forward on the Journey
Name one person who could benefit from hearing about your faith experiences. What will you do this week to share your testimony with him or her?

© 2005 by Terry A. Modica

You may print this for your own personal use.
For permission to copy this to distribute to others, email us.
See also the Lenten materials available at Catholic Digital Resources.

+ Back to Start +

< WordBytes provided by Good News Ministries >