“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice,” and add, “Christ, our Lord, is risen! Alleluia!”
1. (John 20:14-17) Mary Magdalene meets someone she thinks is the gardener. Jesus calls her by name. She calls him “Rabbouni” which means Teacher. Jesus tells her not to hold on to him, but to go and tell the apostles about their meeting. She follows his directions.
Lord, you know my name, and you love me personally. Help me to know your loving will for me and to spread your good news to those I encounter. (Refrain)
2. (Luke 24:13-35) Cleopas and a companion meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus. They sadly and disappointedly tell Jesus what has just happened in Jerusalem—that Jesus has been put to death and his body is not in the tomb. They don’t know what to think. Then Jesus opens the meaning of the ancient Scriptures to them, and when Jesus breaks bread with them, they know it is he.
Precious Bread of Life, open my eyes and understanding of your word. Thank you for the Holy Eucharist which feeds my searching soul. (Refrain)
3. (John 20:19-23) Jesus brings a greeting of peace to 10 of the remaining apostles and says he is sending them on a mission. He breathes on them and gives them authority to forgive or retain sins. They rejoice at seeing him.
Jesus, thank you for the ministry of priesthood and for deacons. The sacrament of reconciliation is so comforting when I meet you there. Thank you for that too! (Refrain)
4. (John 20:26-29) Jesus visits the apostles again, and this time Thomas, the Twin, is there. Now Thomas sees for himself that Jesus is risen. Thomas declares, “My Lord and my God!”
5. Lord, forgive any doubt in my heart. I invite you now into my daily life and proclaim you as my Lord and my God. (Refrain)
6. (John 21:1-14) This passage tells of the encounter between Jesus and seven of his disciples who are unsuccessfully fishing at the Sea of Tiberias. Jesus tells the men to cast their nets over the right side of the boat, and Simon Peter recognizes the Lord after 153 fish are hauled into the boat. Jesus cooks breakfast for the men.
Risen Lord, you know my every need and capability. You will help me to live up to my potential and to be fruitful for your kingdom. (Refrain)
7. (John 21:15-19) At this same meeting at the Sea of Tiberias, Jesus speaks specifically to Simon Peter, asking three times if Peter loves him. Jesus is specially commissioning Peter to follow Him—-even to death—- and wants to be sure of his loyalty.
Lord, I love you. Just in case I don’t say it enough, I love you. You are the way, the truth, and the Life. (Refrain)
8. (Matthew 28:16-20) The last encounter of Jesus that we celebrate is at the mountain in Galilee. Jesus commissions his apostles to make disciples of all nations and to teach them obedience to what he has commanded. He promises to be with them always.
Jesus, we know you ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the father. We also know you will never abandon us as we endeavor to make more disciples for you. (Refrain)
Conclude with the Lord’s Prayer, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, CT. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.