Saturday in the Octave of Easter
Intention: That all people will know greater peace and fulfillment through God’s redeeming grace, especially those who are struggling to find freedom and joy in their lives.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 16:9-15
When Jesus had risen, early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had driven seven demons. She went and told his companions who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
After this he appeared in another form to two of them walking along on their way to the country. They returned and told the others; but they did not believe them either.
But later, as the Eleven were at table, he appeared to them and rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart because they had not believed those who saw him after he had been raised. He said to them, “Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.”
From the Meditation on Saint Francis of Paola | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
Are we, then, to complain if we live a poor life after Jesus Christ has given us the example of such a life and after so many great saints have practiced such extreme austerities? The austerities that we read about in their life and that we see practiced by those whom they have left after them ought to encourage us to imitate them in accord with the spirit of our Institute.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son conquered sin and death and filled the world with new hope. As we face the challenges of life, we pray that our own hope will grow stronger and that your Holy Spirit will inspire us to see all things with the eyes of faith. You are the peace that soothes our anger and confusion and the strength that overcomes our shortcomings and our fears. May we announce your Good News with joy and confidence, helping to bring your light to all people, especially those who are most in need. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.