He Has Been Raised
Easter Sunday
The Resurrection of the Lord –
At the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter (A)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 28:1-10 - After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, approached, rolled back the stone, and sat upon it. His appearance was like lightning and his clothing was white as snow. The guards were shaken with fear of him and became like dead men. Then the angel said to the women in reply, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you.” Then they went away quickly from the tomb, fearful yet overjoyed, and ran to announce this to his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them on their way and greeted them. They approached, embraced his feet, and did him homage. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Why do you seek the living one among the dead? He is not here, but he has been raised.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
(“The Paschal Homily” – by St. John Chrysostom – 407 AD)
If anyone is devout and a lover of God, let them enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival. / If anyone is a grateful servant, let them, rejoicing, enter into the joy of his Lord. / If anyone has wearied themselves in fasting, let them now receive recompense…
He that was taken by death has annihilated it! / He descended into Hades and took Hades captive! / He embittered it when it tasted His flesh! And anticipating this, Isaiah exclaimed: "Hades was embittered when it encountered Thee in the lower region”…
O death, where is thy sting? / O Hades, where is thy victory? / Christ is risen, and you are overthrown! / Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! / Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! / Christ is risen, and life reigns! / Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in a tomb! / For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the first-fruits of them that have slept. / To Him be glory and might unto the ages of ages. / Amen.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paschal_Homily)
Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture above. (Optional – allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer)
(Consider saying special prayers around the Easter Vigil.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
