Opening the Scriptures Luke 24:25-27

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit AMEN

Suggested Opening Songs Were I the Perfect Child of God – Tony Alonso & Michael Mahler Here I am, Lord – Dan Schutte Two Were Bound for Emmaus – Bob Hurd Open the Eyes of My Heart – Michael W. Smith or Paul Baloche

Opening Prayer Prayer of St. John Chrysostom Before Reading Sacred Scripture O Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart, that I may hear Your word and understand and do Your will, for I am a sojourner upon the earth. Hide not Your commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may perceive the wonders of Your law. Speak unto me the hidden and secret things of Your wisdom.

Scripture Reading A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Luke 24:25-27 The Gospel of the Lord. R: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Scripture Reading A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke. Then He said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. Luke 24:25-27 The Gospel of the Lord. R: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Questions for Personal Reflection What is your favourite scripture passage? How is Jesus speaking to you through it?

Reading I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”. The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. … Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards! – Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #1 & #3.

Question for Discussion/Reflection Pope Francis is inviting us to have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. How can we deepen our friendship with Jesus?

Closing Prayer On You do I set my hope, O my God, that You shall enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Your knowledge, not only to cherish those things which are written, but to do them; … For You are the enlightenment of those who lie in darkness, and from You comes every good deed and every gift. Amen.

Suggested Closing Songs We Are Marching – South African Walk in the Light – Damian Lundy Thy Word – Amy Grant

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit AMEN