As we journey to Pentecost, we celebrate resurrection joy and prepare like the disciples to carry Jesus into our world. One of the components of CELEBRATING THE LECTIONARY is a weekly handout, bulletin size, designed specifically for families. These handouts, in English and Spanish, list the Sunday readings and provide a very brief reflection. The reflection is followed by Faith Sharing. These include several recommendations for ways to live out the readings during the week. The last element of the handout is called Family Discussion. Three personal reflection questions provide the material for that family discussion which can take place in whatever way or time the family is comfortable.

Following is the English Family Handout for Sunday April 13.

Readings: Acts 3:13-15, 17-19; Ps 4; 1 Jn 2:1-5; Lk 24:35-48

Reflection

"I can't believe it!" is a phrase we hear repeated over and over when people are shocked or surprised by a statement or an event. "Believe it!" is the response God gives us when we express disbelief regarding the resurrection and promise of new life.

God's response goes even further. God encourages each of us not only to believe but also to move forward with our beliefs and share God's joy with those around us. Sharing our beliefs requires that we trust that God is there to support our endeavors.

This week's psalm is a good place to begin a reflection on trust. The writer was confident in seeking God's deliverance from enemies. (Remember, our enemies aren't necessarily people. They can be ideas, obsessions, addictions, fears.) Although confident that the Lord hears our calls, the writer pleads for answers, suggesting that we offer "right sacrifices" and put our trust in the Lord. Then we will "lie down and sleep in peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Ps 4:8).

Belief in the goodness of the Lord brings comfort, and our joy in the risen Christ will strengthen us to spread the Good News.

And he said to them, "Why are you frightened and why do questions arise in your hearts?" (Lk 24:38).

Faith Sharing

• Seal it with a kiss. Pick up a pen and write to a friend or relative who lives at a distance from you. Let the person know you are thinking of him or her during this joyous Easter season. If you have extras, enclose photos or drawings done by your children.
• Celebrate a family dinner featuring fish. Make fish the entree, and have the young artists in the family make fish place cards and decorations. You might even set a place for Jesus, reminding the family that Jesus ate fish with his disciples after the resurrection.
• Make a simple paper chain as a symbol of the times you extend your love to others. Cut out as many 1" x 4" paper strips as you think you'll need. You can recycle the backs of envelopes or use construction paper. Each time someone in your family does something to extend Christ's love to others, jot it down on a strip of paper, and tape or glue that strip into a link and attach it to the other strips. Display your chain of joy throughout the Easter season.
• If you or someone you know is in a state of disbelief about any facet of life, there is hope. Sometime this week, gather around a lit candle and pray for those experiencing despair and disbelief.
• Renew (or begin) your commitment to outreach. Many families adopt a family project together. If this is not possible, consider options that will further your discipleship. If you are unsure about how to get involved, call your parish or check a local newspaper for volunteer opportunities.

Family Discussion

1. Is my discipleship one of joy or one of disbelief? In what ways?
2. How can I have the faith in myself that the Lord has in me?
3. Where can I turn to explore the Good News in more depth?

If you would like further information on CELEBRATING THE LECTIONARY, please call (888) 273-7782 or e-mail info@rpinet.com.