During the six weeks of Lent 2020, Bishop Donal McKeown invites us, as individuals, as families and parish faith communities of the Diocese of Derry, to use the six Sunday Gospels of Lent to look at the life of service to which God is calling all of us, as the 2020 disciples of Jesus.
Priests and parishioners of the diocese are asked to create opportunities in their parish for discussion of each Gospel reflection.
Bishop Donal's reflection for Easter Sunday with points of consideration is outlined below.
Easter Sunday: 'He must rise from the dead'
The Gospel for Easter Sunday can be viewed here on CatholicIreland.Net
Reflection by Bishop Donal
The Easter celebrations form the heart of our Christian living. We have journeyed in Holy Week through the darkness of betrayal and abandonment towards the light of forgiveness and new life in the Resurrection of Jesus. The Resurrection, the fulfilment of God's love for us, means that Jesus walks with all of us here and now, wherever we are in our life's journey.His Holy Spirit dwells within us.
As Easter people, we pray that the blessings, the joys, the wonders, the comforts and the challenges of this holy day will renew us in spirit and encourage us to be faithful witnesses and beacons of God's love and mercy each day.
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Reflections for discussion and consideration:
- Our faith finds its real meaning in the Resurrection of Christ. The Resurrection is a sure and certain sign of life and hope for all of us. How does the richness of the Easter Scripture readings help us today to proclaim the message of everlasting life that Jesus brings and encourage others in their faith journey?
- 'This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad!' (Ps. 117):
How does your faith help you, your family and your fellow-parishioners to proclaim these words of hope in the midst of the corona pandemic that is striking so indiscriminately in our communities of faith? - One of the first things that Jesus does after His resurrection is to forgive His disciples who had abandoned Him at a critical time. With confidence, He sends them out to proclaim forgiveness in His name. We are the disciples of our time.
What do the teachings of Jesus say to us as we strive today to make His love and mercy known?
Liturgy music suggestions for Easter Sunday, 12 April
- Jesus Christ is risen today
- Thine be the glory
- Bring, all ye dear-bought nations
Diocesan Prayer for Lent 2020
