THEY STOOD THERE DUMBFOUNDED

PRAYER MOMENT             

Easter Thursday, 24 April 2014

THEY STOOD THERE DUMBFOUNDED

Pause. Be there in the room when Jesus appears

Reading: “Their joy was so great that they could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded” (Luke 24:35-48)

Reflection. Perhaps we struggle to understand what the resurrection of Jesus means for us? Someone we knew and loved, and whom we know has died, is suddenly standing there before us. What can we make of it? We are told the disciples could not believe it and were at a loss for words. What breaks through the tension and the perplexity is the joy, which “was so great.” Joy is an expression of truth, a realisation of the meaning of an event. Jesus confirms this by once again explaining how the scriptures “have to be fulfilled>” This is all God’s plan and now they are to be his witnesses to the forgiveness that flows from repentance. This experience describes the solemn and beautiful confirmation of the community first founded in seed in the desert and now to be proclaimed to the whole world.

Prayer. Lord, you appeared to your friends in the upper room and sent them out into the whole world. We rejoice deeply to be part of that energy that flows in our world today. Help us to channel it so that your reign may break forth the among us you broke into that room “though the doors were locked.” Amen.

David Harold-Barry SJ