Walking Together and Sharing Our Story Luke 24:13-24

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

Suggested Opening Songs Come and Journey with a Saviour – Marty Haugen The Summons – Kelvingrove/John L. Bell All Are Welcome – Marty Haugen Gather Us In – Marty Haugen Companions on the Journey – Carey Landry

Opening Prayer Jesus, teach us about yourself so that we can come to know you as your Apostles and followers knew you. We want to learn from you as disciples, and we want to walk with you as friends. When we listen to the stories handed down by your followers, we see a person of prayer, a healer filled with compassion, and a learned and wise teacher. Help us to come to know you better, so that we can love you more deeply and become more like you as we grow in faith. AMEN Lorriane L. Kilmartin, St. Mary’s Press, Christian Brothers Publications

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

Scripture Reading Luke 24:13-24 A Reading from the Gospel according to Luke. Now on that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” The Gospel of the Lord. R: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Questions for Personal Reflection What is joy? What have been your most joyful moments?

Reading The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness. With Christ joy is constantly born anew. Perhaps the most exciting invitation is that of the prophet Zephaniah, who presents God with his people in the midst of a celebration overflowing with the joy of salvation. I find it thrilling to reread this text: “The Lord, your God is in your midst, a warrior who gives you the victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing, as on a day of festival.” This is the joy which we experience daily, amid the little things of life, as a response to the loving invitation of God our Father: “My child, treat yourself well, according to your means… Do not deprive yourself of the day’s enjoyment.” -Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel, #1, #3 & #4.

Question for Discussion/Reflection As ambassadors of Christ, how can we as a faith- filled community, show our appreciation for all our blessings? How can all of us try to notice moments of joy each day?

Closing Prayer O Lord Jesus Christ, open the eyes of my heart, that I may share Your story on the journey with others, and understand and do Your will. Hide not your commandments from me, but open my eyes to your faith filled stories, that I may perceive the wonders of Your teachings, walking with others. You are the enlightenment of those who lie in darkness, and from You comes every good deed and every blessed gift. AMEN

Suggested Closing Songs They’ll Know We Are Christians – Peter Scholtes City of God – Dan Schutte We are Many Parts – Marty Haugen Come and Journey With Me – David Hass

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