Posted February 28, 2014 Book: Hopeful Meditations for Every Day of Easter Through Pentecost Authors: Rev. Warren J. Savage & Mary Ann McSweeny Liguori Press. Liguori, Missouri. 2013, pp. 176 An Excerpt from the Jacket: This lectionary-based volume contains meditations, prayers, questions to ponder, as well as ways to put each daily Scripture reading into practice --- all of which will bring this season to life. From Easter Monday through Pentecost for each liturgical year (A,B and C) this book will help you prepare for and deepen your experience of this season. Also included: Additional meditations for Week 10 of Ordinary Time, as well as feast days. An Excerpt from the Book: Monday of the Octave of Easter So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!" And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me. Reflection: Our imagination is a powerful tool to find meaning in the gospels. Our imagination allows us to become part of this story. We can see ourselves going to the tomb of Jesus, and once we arrive, something incredible happens. A messenger appears and tells us to go and tell the disciples, but on the way we encounter the risen Jesus. Our first instinct is to embrace him with deep love, reverence, and respect. Jesus then instructs us to go and tell his brothers the good new: that he is alive. Our imagination allows us to experience the joy and excitement surrounding the resurrection of Jesus. Our imagination also opens up a way for us to understand what it means to be a Christian witness in the world today. When we prayerfully read the Word of God, take time to appreciate the beauty of creation, show respect for others, and respond to people's needs, the resurrection becomes real in our lives. The story of the resurrection makes us eager to tell others about our experience of the risen Lord in our lives. Perhaps we have mixed feelings about our faith. Perhaps telling others about the risen Jesus fills us with fear and great joy. We do not have to be afraid. With the help of the Holy Spirit and empowered by the resurrection of Jesus, we can be God's messengers of hope, compassion, peace, and reconciliation. Ponder: Why am I afraid to share my faith with others? Prayer: Risen Lord, your life-giving presence gives me hope, strength, and peace. Help me to be your witness of love and compassion in the presence of others. Practice: Today I will look at people and greet them with respect and reverence.