“Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare your praise.”
Collect:
O God, who gladden us year by year
with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection,
graciously grant
that, by celebrating these present festivities,
we may merit through them to reach eternal joys.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
The Readings
Acts 3:1-10; Psalm 105; Luke 24:13-35
Daily Meditation:
Give us the joy of this feast.
What transformation can happen in our lives
if we come to know that Jesus is with us in the breaking of bread -
whenever we share some of who we are with others in love,
wherever there is suffering and brokenness.
This is a great joy to desire and ask for.
Then Jesus asked the two disciples,
“Why can’t you understand?
How can you be so slow to believe all that the prophets said?
Didn’t you know that the Messiah would have to suffer
before he was given his glory?” …
Then the disciples from Emmaus
told what happened on the road
and how they knew he was the Lord
when he broke the bread.
-- Luke 24:25-26; 35
Intercessions:
Christ was given up for our sins and rose again to make us righteous.
Let us cry out to him, saying:
Save us, Lord, by your victory.
Christ our Savior, in conquering death you brought us joy,
in rising again you raised us up and
filled us with the abundance of your gifts,
- stir up our hearts, and sanctify this day through the gift of your Holy Spirit.
You are glorified by the angels in heaven
and adored by mankind on earth; as we celebrate your resurrection,
- accept our worship in spirit and in truth.
Lord Jesus, save us; show your great mercy to your people,
as we look forward to our own resurrection,
- have mercy on us, and protect us today from every evil.
King of glory, source of our life, grant that, when you come again,
- we may be one with you in glory.
Closing Prayer:
Loving Father,
Do I feel this joy so deeply each year?
I know how solemn this season is
and yet I am overcome by sheer delight.
I celebrate this joyful time of remembering
how I am brought to new life
by the sacrifice your son made for me.
Help me to remember the invitation you extend
for me to rise to new life in you.
May the Lord bless us,
protect us from all evil
and bring us to everlasting life.
Amen.