Sunday of Lent
Matthew 4:1-11

Reflection
After his baptism, Jesus endures a triple temptation by Satan while fasting in the desert for forty days and forty nights. The temptation is for Jesus to rebel against God and, finally, to worship Satan. Jesus responds strongly by quoting from the book of Deuteronomy:

“The Lord, your God, shall you worship
and him alone shall you serve” (Mt 4:10).

The World Youth Day pilgrims continue their journey to Cologne with the opportunity for prayer and fasting during Lent. These forty days should also be a reminder that Satan remains active in the world and in their own lives, tempting them also to worship him.

Jesus’ obedience to his Father is unparalleled in history. The forty days and forty nights he spent successfully combating Satan in the desert were in complete contrast to the forty years the Israelites spent in the desert failing each temptation and turning away from Yahweh time after time.

Satan’s tests come to the forefront during Lent. Several of us make promises to give up certain foods, fast on several days, and do certain acts of penance, especially on Fridays. Yet the difficulties associated with our promise assail us and the temptations weaken our resolve. Encourage the pilgrims to develop a program of prayer to accompany their penitent actions during Lent. Remind them that it is only with Jesus’ help that they can remain loyal and obedient to God and their promises.

We are human and cannot remain perfect in our obedience. We fail in many ways, especially in our relationship with others. In Jesus’ response to Satan he combined the need for worship with the need for service of others. In Matthew we read that Jesus “went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and curing every disease and illness among the people.” (Mt 4:23). As the pilgrims continue their journey, being active in their serving the poor, sick, lonely, and needy of the community can help them to avoid sinfulness and worship the Lord.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus substitutes his obedience for our disobedience. Jesus atoned for our sins and made satisfaction for them to the Father (615).

During Lent, as we seek to worship the Lord and to obey him, we must continue to seek shelter in Christ, the Suffering Servant who accomplished everything our hearts desire but cannot attain on our own.

Instruction

• Read the Gospel story, the temptation of Jesus, from Matthew 4:1-11.
  
• Have the participants share a list of temptations that confound and discourage them and their peers from following the Lord. For example:
  
  • You are tempted to slack off at work.
  • You are tempted to cheat on a test.
  • You are tempted to avoid a person you consider bothersome.
  • You are tempted to go too far sexually.
  • You are tempted to drink alcohol to excess.
  • You are tempted to lie to avoid punishment.
  • You are tempted to open an inappropriate web site.
  • You are tempted to participate in the telling of off-color jokes.
• Print the temptations suggested by the group on the board or newsprint. Then ask the participants to form small groups with four or five people in each. Assign one of the temptations discussed to each group and have them develop and practice short skits around each temptation that are typical of their peer group. The skits should be open-ended, meaning the performance should end with the audience wondering how the person will choose to respond to the dilemma.
  
• Allow time. Then call the groups together to perform their skits. At the end of each performance, allow time for discussion among the performing cast and the audience on some of the various ways people their age might respond to the dilemmas.
  
• Remind the pilgrims of the importance of staying close to Jesus as the only sure-fire way to avoid temptation and remain obedient to God.
  
• Conclude the instruction by reciting this prayer from St. Patrick’s Breastplate:
  
  St. Patrick’s Breastplate

  Christ, be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
  Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
  Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
  Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit, Christ where I arise,
  Christ in the heart of every one who thinks of me,
  Christ in the mouth of every one who speaks of me,
  Christ in every ear that hears me.
  Salvation is of the Lord.
  Salvation is of the Lord.
  Salvation is of the Christ.
  May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.

• Obedience to the Lord or to anyone in legitimate authority is a sign of trust. Provide blindfolds (torn sheets) and have the participants work in pairs to do a trust walk.
  
• Direct the participants to select a blindfolded person. The pair should keep perfect silence. The leader should take the “blind” person through many experiences for example: up and down stairs, touching things of different textures, moving in different directions, listening to various sounds.
  
• After a designated amount of time, the leader should take another blindfolded person for a walk.
  
• About halfway through the period, have the participants switch roles and repeat the exercise.
  
• When completed, lead a discussion. Ask things like:
  
  • What was the most memorable part of the experience?
    
  • How did you feel when you were the leader?
    
  • How did you feel when you were being led?
    
  • Describe yourself as a guide.
    
  • What did you learn about yourself during this exercise?
• Ask the participants to write a brief summary of the experience, comparing it to the level of trust Jesus felt for his Father while in the desert.

• Read a biography of a saint during the first weeks of Lent. Note examples from the person’s life when he or she trusted in the Lord and was obedient to him.
  
• In a journal, write questions for your personal examination of conscience. Base these on the Ten Commandments, Beatitudes, and Precepts of the Church. Keep the questions handy for the next time you go to confession.
  
• Draw a picture that personifies Satan to you. Include some of the ways that Satan tempts you. Either keep the picture folded up in your journal or rip it up as a sign of your mastery over evil.

Reflection
The World Youth Day theme, “We Have Come to Worship Him,” lends itself to the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Lent, the Transfiguration of Jesus.

Certainly, this experience might have been more what Peter, James, and John, the three disciples invited by Jesus to come with him up a high mountain by themselves expected of their discipleship. Remember, these were the same disciples who had given up their professions and left their families only on Jesus’ rather obscure command to be “fishers of men.” Their human expectations likely included an understanding that if Jesus were indeed God’s Chosen One, he would eventually be revealed to them in all of his glory.

On the mountain, Jesus was transfigured as they watched. As the Gospel reports, “his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light” (Mt 17:2). Two of the great people in Jewish history appear with Jesus: the prophet Elijah and Moses. Jesus is the fulfillment of the both the Law and the prophets. Moses, the great figure of the Old Testament, was there to honor Jesus as was Elijah who had called the people back to follow the Law.

Peter’s reaction to all of this was typically human: in order to honor Jesus, he wanted to build tents similar to the ones the Israelites lived in during the feast of Tabernacles. He also says, “Lord, it is good that we are here” (Mt 17:4). But the scene changes and the disciples are once again afraid.

As at Jesus’ baptism, God’s voice is heard loud and clear proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him” (Mt 17:5). A bright cloud overshadowed them that was very similar to the one that led the wandering Israelites on their journey through the desert.

Jesus comforts Peter, James, and John. He tells them not to be afraid. When they lift their eyes to look again, Jesus is all by himself.

As pilgrims to Cologne and in life itself, the flux in feelings experienced by the disciples is something which we can all relate to. We begin our journey to follow the Lord, unsure why except that we know that we are supposed to, that we are called. Along the way we may be teased for our commitment and unsure ourselves the reason for why we have decided to follow.

Then we have an occasion to experience Christ in all his glory. We have one of those days when all seems right with the world. We notice the beauty of creation. Our relationships are in loving harmony. How good it is to be with Jesus at these times.

Then we are reminded again of God’s power, and how he, not us is the one who is in charge of our lives. Again, we feel intimidated by our presence with him, perhaps as some of the pilgrims feel some apprehension of spending focused time with the Lord in Cologne.

Finally we are comforted again. Jesus comes to us and says, “Do not be afraid.” We listen and realize again that he is our brother and friend. There are no surprises with him. Christ knows us better than we know ourselves. So we continue on.

Instruction

• Print the phrase “How good it is to be here” on the board or on newsprint. Ask the pilgrims to suggest a long list of their favorite places to be with the Lord. Encourage them to be specific.
  
• Summarize the ideas on the board. Use them to begin a discussion on how God can be found in some of our favorite, everyday places.
  
• Ask the participants why they think it is a natural human tendency to want to build memorials for famous people or events. Point out some of the memorials around your parish and city. If possible, take a short walk to one of the memorials and discuss its significance.
  
• Jesus offered Peter, James, and John a glimpse of his glory, a glimpse of heaven. Have the participants write about a time when they got a quick glimpse of heaven or God’s glory. Have them focus on an experience they had, a place they visited, or a relationship that was very meaningful.
  
• Allow time for the students to share what they wrote with a partner. Then call on any volunteers who wish to share with the group to do so.

• Have the pilgrims read and compare the three accounts of Jesus’ Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, and Luke 9:28-36). Note that only in Luke is the topic of the conversation between Jesus, Moses, and Elijah revealed.
  
• Either working individually or in small groups, have the pilgrims use several different types of art supplies and draw their impressions of the transfigured Jesus. Display these around the room that you are in.
  
• Play some reflective music, dim the lights, and light a candle in the room. Talk about the practice of spending time alone with Christ in prayer. Have the pilgrims sit quietly near some of the drawings of the transfigured Christ in reflective prayer.
  
• Conclude by having the group sit in a circle. Repeat Peter’s words, “Lord, it is good that we are here.” Then have the participants take turns offering spontaneous petitions of praise and thanksgiving.

• Using your diocesan website, look up neighboring parishes (including your own) that offer Benediction or other services with special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Make a promise to pray at one of these services. Alternatively, spend some personal time before the Blessed Sacrament.
  
• Explore the Vatican’s World Youth Day web page at http://www.vatican.va/gmg/documents/gmg_2005_en.html. Also, check links to Cologne, Germany. Read up about the itinerary of World Youth Day along with holy sites in the city that pilgrims might enjoy exploring.
  
• Go to the top of the highest peak in your local neighborhood. Bring your Bible. Re-read the Gospel story of the Transfiguration. Pray for Jesus to reveal himself to you.

Reflection
The story of the Samaritan woman who encounters Jesus at the well reminds us that Jesus does not put limits or restrictions on who can be his disciple.

Samaritans in general were considered “half-Jews” by followers of Jesus and other Jews. The Samaritans accepted the Law of Moses and belief in one God, but they rejected the writings of the prophets and the wisdom writings. They also rejected the Temple in Jerusalem as the center of Jewish worship. They built their own shrine on Mount Gerizim. These were a few of the reasons Jews looked down on the Samaritans.

That Jesus would speak with a Samaritan woman and drink from her vessel was shocking to his disciples. Samaritan women were considered ritually impure and Jews were forbidden to drink from anything they had handled.

Jesus does speak to the woman and offers her “living water” that the woman thinks means “flowing water” which would have been better than the stagnant water of the cistern. In truth, the living water Jesus offers her is the water of life and the good news of salvation that Jesus brings.

When Jesus’ disciples return and find him talking with the Samaritan woman they are shocked. By the end of the story, the woman has been granted the same status as them: she is a disciple, “one who is sent.” The Gospel reports that “Many of the Samaritans of that town began to believe in him because of the word of the woman who testified . . .” (Jn 4:39). The sinful woman was granted the same privileges of discipleship to go out and preach the Good News. She, too, is a missionary.

The incident teaches us who are intent on worshiping the Lord that sometimes Jesus himself will choose those to whom he wishes to draw near.

• Will we be welcoming of all who Jesus calls?
  
• How will we accept that other people of different races, cultures, and styles will have their own ways of sharing the Good News?
  
• Are we as responsible as the Samaritan woman who when she received the living waters of truth, immediately share the Good News with others?

• Briefly discuss the issues that led to the separation of the Jews and Samaritans at the time of Jesus (see above). Then call on several good readers to read the Gospel story of the Samaritan woman from John 4:5-42.
  
• Emphasize that the woman became a missionary for Jesus, essentially taking on the same role as the disciples when she returned to her hometown and testified on his behalf. Her message led many Samaritans to come to Jesus, and they believed in him because of his word.
  
• Define a missionary as someone who is sent by Jesus to continue his saving work in the world. Form a panel of approximately six participants. Read from a random list of questions (see below) and prepare some of your own that have to do with our responsibility to serve the Church as a missionary.
  
  Questions
  
  • What is one thing you do well to witness the Gospel to a non-believer?
    
  • How does your parish welcome new members or visitors?
    
  • Are some people more welcome in the Church than others? Explain your answer.
    
  • If you had only thirty seconds to tell someone who didn’t know Jesus about him, what would you say?
    
  • If you could go to one other part of the world to witness to the Gospel, where would it be? Why did you choose that place?
• Play all or part of a video about the Church’s foreign missionary work that includes the initial evangelization of people from all areas. For example, Church without Borders (2001, U.S. Catholic Conference, 60 minutes) examines the experiences of young people from the US and Latin America who share their faith through inter-American missionary programs.

• Arrange to sponsor one or more information sessions to update the parish and the local community about the group’s progress in preparing for and going to Cologne.
  
• Begin correspondence with pilgrims from a parish in Cologne who will be participating in World Youth Day. Send them information about your parish and community (e.g., bulletin, handbook, brochures) and request the same from them.
  
• Research information about lay and religious community missionary efforts around the world. Correspond with members of the group or their vocation director. Ask them to suggest ways that your parish group of pilgrims can support their efforts.
  
• Read about a missionary saint. Write a report on the saint you chose.

• Invite World Youth Day pilgrims from another parish in your diocese (preferably from a parish with a different socioeconomic, racial, or cultural majority than yours) to an evening of catechesis, service, and fun.
  
• For example, arrange for a person who has attended a previous World Youth Day to share her or his memories. Then prepare some lunches or collect some canned goods that can be turned over to a local homeless shelter or food bank. Finally, have some fun! Arrange for a DJ to play music, have a bar-be-cue, or go out for ice cream together.

Reflection
The Gospel for the fourth Sunday of Lent contrasts the blindness of the Jews to the truth with Jesus’ declaration “I am the light of the world” (Jn 9:5).

Jesus says, “We have to do the work of the one who sent me while it is day. Night is coming when no one can work” (Jn 9:4).

Complete darkness is a rare occurrence in the modern world. But imagine how dark the nights were in Palestine of the first century. What would it have been like to do anything after dark, including find your way home? Nearly impossible.

Meanwhile, Jesus describes himself as the One who brings light to the world. Light is often used in the Bible as a symbol for goodness, joy, peace in contrast with darkness that is symbolic for evil, unhappiness, and death.

Have the participants reflect on the aspects of their own lives that are filled with light as well as those that are hidden by darkness. For example, moments of light might be:

• a relationship with a younger sibling
  
• a positive dating experience
  
• happiness on the job or at school
  
• a service opportunity
  
• active participation in liturgy.

• temptations associated with drugs and alcohol
  
• unhealthy relationships marked by possessiveness, jealousy and/or fornication
  
• lying and cheating at school or work
  
• preoccupation with consumerism
  
• failure to pray or go to Mass.

• Choose a group of participants to enact or mime the Gospel reading from John 9:1-41 as it is read. Point out that this is the fifth of Jesus’ signs in the Gospel of John.
  
• Discuss many “darkness situations” we face today. Share many examples like cheating, lying, swearing, gossiping, stealing, peer pressure, alcohol/drugs, sex, teasing, shunning, and disobedience of those in authority.
  
• Record some of the examples on the board. Then go around the room and ask the participants to explain how the light of Christ can help them to resist the temptations associated with each of those areas.
  
• Print the following passage citations on the board or newsprint:
  
  • Genesis 1:1-5
    
  • Psalm 97:11-12
    
  • Isaiah 60:1-3
    
  • Daniel 2:21-22
    
  • John 1:3-5
    
  • John 12:35-36
    
  • 2 Corinthians 4:6
    
  • 1 John 1:6-7
    
  • Revelation 22:4-5
• Have the participants print each of the citations on a strip of paper and take a Bible and move to a separate space in the room. Instruct them to look up and read each passage and reflect on the contrast between light and darkness.
  
• In their journals or on a separate piece of paper, have the participants finish the sentence “I am the light of the world because. . . .” Allow time to go around the room and hear a sampling of the responses.

• Have the participants choose from a variety of media and bring to the group examples from contemporary life of Jesus’ message of light. Examples are:
  
  • a true story of a modern day hero
    
  • a song with positive and uplifting lyrics
    
  • a DVD or video with a scene from a motion picture that expresses a healthy, loving human relationship
    
  • a beautiful piece of art (that could be created by the participants)
    
  • an award or honor with a story that goes along with it.
• Reserve time when the participants are together for them to share their examples of Jesus’ light.
  
• Conclude with a prayer. Pray:
  Heavenly Father,
  Your Son brought light to the world.
  Help us live in his light and his love
  and avoid the traps that accompany darkness.
  We ask this in Jesus’ name.
  Amen.

• With Easter approaching, the catechumens from the parish are finishing their preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation. Have the pilgrims take the time to write each catechumen (or the entire group if there are too many), with a special note of encouragement to complete the scrutinies and be welcomed formally into the Church.
  
• Gather at the church or another central spot in your community after dark. Instruct the group that you are going to lead them “to the light.” Walk in silence to a restaurant or to the home or a group member or parishioner who is willing to sponsor a meal for the young people. In either case, make the meal you share light and festive!

Reflection
The raising of Lazarus culminates the series of signs or wondrous deeds of Jesus in the Gospel of John. An irony of this final sign is that the raising of Lazarus led to Jesus being reported to the authorities, eventually leading to his death. From Lazarus’s death, Jesus brought new life. Likewise, the Sacrament of Baptism is a sign of our dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. From his own death, Jesus would bring new life to all.

This sign reminds us that life is a series of “little deaths” and “little resurrections” that prepare us for our eventual physical death and rising to everlasting life.

Most of these experiences can be traced to transitional times in our lives. For example, accompanying the excitement and achievement of high school graduation, it can easily become a melancholy time in which teens not only leave a school and friends behind, but they also prepare to move away from their family for the first time. Life as they knew it before may not be over, but it will certainly be drastically different. This type of feeling can be thought of as a “little death.”

The start of college arrives and the new freshman moves into the dorm. Within a short time, new friends emerge. An exciting array of interesting classes and focused plans for future dominate the days. And, the son or daughter realizes there is a new life with parents and siblings too. Though he or she may be separated by space, the family relationships may transform to ones on a new and more adult level. This experience is what is known as a “little resurrection.”

The raising of Lazarus also provides several other insights into Jesus, his relationship with his disciples, and the reverence he has for his Father. These can all help the young people who are intent on coming to Cologne to worship the Lord.

First, Jesus is courageous. Just a short time before Jesus raised Lazarus, some of his enemies had tried to stone him to death near Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Despite his disciples’ pleas to avoid Bethany, Jesus has no qualms about returning there.

Also, Jesus formed deep and loving human friendships. Mary, Martha, and their brother were close friends of Jesus. He would do anything he could to help them. When he is near Lazarus’s tomb, Jesus is disgusted by the evil associated with death. The Gospel describes Jesus as being “perturbed.” When Mary came from her home to the tomb and Jesus saw her weeping, he wept as well.

Finally, Jesus credits all his power to his Father and his own faith in God. So the crowds might come to believe, he prayed aloud before he commanded Lazarus to come out of the tomb. Lazarus did, and was returned to life.

Instruction

• Have the participants sit with a partner. Pass out five strips of paper to each person. Tell them that you will read five statements about people, things, and talents that are important to them and that they should write one response on each strip. Then read the following statements, pausing between each to allow for writing:
  
  • Write one academic or creative talent or skill you possess.
    
  • Write one physical skill you possess.
    
  • Write one positive personality trait you possess.
    
  • Write the names of two people who are very important to you.
    
  • Write the names of your three most prized possessions.
• With their partners, have them turn the strips of paper over, blank side up. Then have them alternate taking a strip from their partner. The partner should read the information and ask about this skill, possession, or people and why it is important. Then they should discuss what life would be like if this were taken away. Finally, they should discuss how something positive might come from this loss. Repeat the format until all five strips of each person have been discussed.
  
• Discuss the idea that of “little deaths” and “little resurrections” that mark our lives. Suggest some examples and have the students to the same. You might mention:
  
  • loss of a friendship, making a new friend
    
  • loss of a job, starting a new job
    
  • death of a grandparent, birth of a son or daughter
    
  • end of a competitive athletic career, start of play recreational sports
• Explain that the little deaths and little resurrections that mark our lives are previews of our eventual physical death and resurrection to eternal life.
  
• Show the video the “Raising of Lazarus” (Brown Publishing and ROA, 1993, 30 minutes). It depicts the Gospel scene and addresses key issues of death and dying.

• Provide Bibles and have the participants individually read the Gospel story of the raising of Lazarus from John 11:1-45.
  
• Print the following journal starters on the board or newsprint. Have the participants move to a separate place in the room and write entries for at least two of the following:
  
  • Why were the disciples fearful of following Jesus to Bethany? What makes you afraid to follow Jesus?
    
  • Describe a time in your life that was marked by great sadness.
    
  • How does the hope of resurrection affect your life?
    
  • What is your experience of death?
    
  • How do you imagine life after death?
• Read another example of when Jesus was moved to tears in Luke 19:41. Think about the times in your life when you cried. Thank God for those times, and the cleansing and healing nature of our tears.

• Look for practical ways to support life. You may wish to participate in a letter-writing campaign to government officials telling of your support for the right to life of the unborn. Other suggestions for supporting the right to life follow.
  
• Approach an agency that serves pregnant teenagers. It may be possible for you to help by collecting their homework assignments from school or tutoring them in their work.
  
• Help to organize a blood drive sponsored by the Red Cross. Put up flyers around your school or workplace. Help to assign times and get commitments.

Reflection
The events of Holy Week are intended for the Christian pilgrim. From the Gospel reading of the passion on Palm Sunday through the Triduum (Holy Thursday/Good Friday/Easter Vigil/Easter Sunday), the Church celebrates the events of our salvation.

One of the questions Christians often wonder about is why Jesus had to die. Ultimately, the answer to the question is that Jesus died for the love of us. He had to die for our salvation. Jesus is the power and the means of God’s salvation. Jesus accepted death on the cross because he loved us as friends.

We can get a further glimpse as to the actual plan of salvation through a reading of the Gospels. The plan was really a three-fold one.

First, Jesus had human enemies who wanted to put him to death. According to Matthew, in return for his betrayal, Judas was rewarded thirty pieces of silver (Mt 26:14-16). The chief priests handed Jesus over to the authorities because they believed he blasphemed or declared himself God (Mt 26:57-68). Pontius Pilate ordered Jesus crucified in order to avoid a riot by those who wanted to release the insurgent prisoner Barabbas. Those who actually put Jesus to death—the Roman soldiers—were following the orders of their military superiors.

On a second level, Jesus died because he was willing to accept death. Jesus does what is pleasing to God the Father (Jn 8:21-30). He has a deep desire to return to his Father in heaven (Jn 16:28). And, though he does not wish pain or death, he will accept it if it is God’s will (Lk 22:41-42).

The third level was the plan of God the Father that Jesus spoke of and lived in his life on earth. The plan was salvation for mankind. The letter to the Hebrews explains:

But now once for all he has appeared at the end of all ages to take away sin by sacrifice Just as it is appointed that human beings die once, and after this the judgment, so also Christ, offered once to take away the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to take away sin but to bring salvation to those who eagerly await him (9:26b-27).

• Tell the participants that they have heard the story of Jesus’ passion so many times (including two times during Holy Week on Palm Sunday and later on Good Friday) that they must feel that they know each part by heart. However, sometimes the details are confused between each of the four Gospels as well as legend and popular film.
  
• Have the group arrange their chairs in one large circle. Then go around the circle having each person take turns remembering and recounting as much as they can about each of the particular parts. For example, ask the participants what they remember about:
  
  • Palm Sunday
    
  • the Last Supper
    
  • when Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane
    
  • when Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested
    
  • Jesus before the Sanhedrin
    
  • Peter denying that he knows Jesus
    
  • Jesus is condemned by Pilate to die
    
  • Jesus carries his cross and is crucified
    
  • Jesus dies and is buried
• Play Part 3 of the Jesus of Nazareth video (available through Vision Video).
  
• Go back and fill in some more details that were missed from above about the Passion events.
  
• Finally, either distribute Bibles and have the students individually read the story of the Passion from Matthew 26:14—27: 66 or assign several good readers to read the passage aloud for the entire group.

• In their journals or notebooks, have the pilgrims begin to keep a vocabulary list of some of the terms associated with Holy Week: for example, Triduum, Maundy, repose, Chrism, Passover, Stations of the Cross, Gethsemane, Golgotha, salvation, redemption, and more that the participants can share with other. They should print the word and definition.
  
• Ask the participants to compose a prayer to Jesus thanking him for his gift of life through the saving events of the passion. Tell them they will be asked to read their prayer to the whole group. Allow a few minutes for writing. Put on some reflective music. Light a candle and have the group sit in a circle. Have each person read his or her prayer.

• Supply a large collection of paper bags (preferably white-colored). Decorate each bag with the name of someone in the parish who has died in the past year. Next, make luminarias, setting votive candles in sand in the bags. The luminarias can be used to light an outdoor procession after the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper from the church to the altar of repose.
  
• Plan to participate in parish events and celebrations in Holy Week. For example, a parish retreat, celebration of the Sacrament of Penance, the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, Good Friday services, and Morning Prayer on Holy Saturday.
  
• With other World Youth Day pilgrims, meet some time during the afternoon or evening on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday of Holy Week to pray the Stations of the Cross.

Reflection
A season of penance is over and it is truly a time of celebration. The tomb is empty! Jesus is risen from the dead!

Mary of Magdala cannot contain her joy. She cries out “Rab-bou'ni! (which means Teacher)”, clings onto Jesus, and won’t let him go. Jesus has to tell her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.” (Jn 20:17).

We all want to hold on to Jesus and not let go. When we take some time to reflect on and answer life’s deep questions—Who am I? What is the meaning of life? What happens to me after I die?—there are some answers that don’t work:

• You are not about how much money you have.
  
• Even with a fit body you will die.
  
• People with the most power do not have the secret to everlasting life.

• Will they attend college? If so, what will they study? How will their course of study be life-giving?
  
• How will the career they choose be beneficial to all of society?
  
• How will they avoid the sins of consumerism?
  
• If they are called to marriage, how are they practicing the skills of friendship in their current relationships?
  
• How are they working to remain chaste?
  
• What would they like to know about a religious vocation, either to the priesthood or the religious life of a brother or sister?
  
• Are there lay apostolates they would consider? What information do they need about these types of ministries?
  
• What type of Catholic do they envision themselves being in ten years? twenty years? fifty years?

• Share a brief lesson on the Resurrection accounts as taken from the four Gospels. Point out that there are differences in the accounts between the Gospels as well as some similarities. For example:
  
  • The Gospels agree that the Resurrection took place on Sunday, the first day of the week.
    
  • The stone that had been in front of the tomb was removed. The Gospels differ slightly on how this occurred. In Mark (16:4), Luke (24:2), and John (20:1) the stone was already rolled back when the disciples arrive. Matthew’s Gospel reports that after an earthquake and angel appeared and rolled back the stone (28:2).
    
  • None of the Gospels report what actually happened to the body of Jesus. But in each of the Gospels the first witnesses find the tomb empty. The empty tomb is a sign of the Resurrection and marks our faith in the Resurrection. When Peter went into the empty tomb, “he saw and believed.” (Jn 20:8).
    
  • Angels or messengers are at the empty tomb. Matthew reports one angel. Mark’s Gospel describes the messenger as a “young man dressed in a white robe.” Luke says that there are two men in dazzling apparel. John calls the two messengers “angels” and places them “one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been” (Jn 20:12).
    
  • The Gospels agree that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene and then the other disciples. Jesus’ appearance was different than the earthly Jesus. Mary cannot recognize him at first. She thinks he is the gardener.
• Choose a good reader to re-read the Gospel story from John 20:1-18.
  
• Have the students write in their journals what they think happens to them after they die. Have them include:
  
  • What happens to their bodies?
    
  • Who meets them after they die?
    
  • What God will be like?
    
  • What heaven will be like?
• Allow time for writing. Then have the group go around the circle and share all or part of what they wrote.

• Print copies of the article from the Vatican’s World Youth Day website, “Young People Seeking the Face of Christ in Cologne” http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/laity/Colonia2005/
  rc_pc_laity_doc_20030805_card-stafford-opening-gmg_en.html. Read as a group or assign as individual reading.
  
• Discuss the article. Ask the participants to talk about some of the ways they plan to see the face of Christ while they are at the World Youth Day (e.g., in the faces of others, in service to the poor, in liturgy, in the words and presence of the pope and bishops).
  
• Provide art supplies including paper (or allow the participants to draw in their journals) their impressions of the face of Christ. Share and/or display the work in your meeting space.

• Bring the signs of spring and the new life of Easter to someone in your parish or community. Work individually or with a group to do a spring cleanup of the person’s yard and home. Plant a garden or bring a hanging plant to spruce up your finished work. Choose a homebound person or older person you can assist.
  
• Celebrate Easter with other World Youth Day pilgrims (both from your parish and neighboring parishes). Arrange for an Easter social in the days and weeks following Easter Sunday. Go miniature golfing, hiking, or on another outdoor activity together.

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