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Homeless people share their life stories: Rebecca, Andrew, Elle, Melissa and sk8r rat.

Youth Ministry Resources - Easter Sunday

Year A: Easter Sunday

The sad reality is, that for most Australians, this weekend is about having a holiday. Some of the littlest children who come for religious instruction can tell me about My Restaurant Rules or Australian Idol and ask me if I like Robbie Williams but they have not heard any Jesus stories. Yes, they have been baptised but unless we share our understanding and experience of God with our children then they are left in a vacuum. Today we hear of the amazement of resurrection. The wonder of this reality is only matched by the actuality of the Incarnation - that God chose to become human and be with us. After the last couple of days when we remembered the Last Supper and the horror of Golgotha, like the disciples, we have experienced the same tremendous sense of emptiness and loss. Then there is the enormity and marvel of finding an empty tomb and rolled linen cloths. Unlike Mary Magdalene, Peter and the insistent Thomas, we do not actually see, or feel or touch the risen Lord, and yet we believe.

I have been spending some time with a family who have suddenly lost their mother. In their angst and turmoil, they repeatedly cling to their faith in the resurrection. What happens to the young people who have not heard of the resurrection? How will they make sense of the challenges and losses they will face if they have not developed a relationship with God. If they have not heard of God's forgiveness and love? If they have not heard the sacred Scriptures? If they have not heard that there is a place for them in the Church? If they have not heard of eternal peace? By comparison, secular alternatives are empty and frequently destructive.

It is our belief in the resurrection that brings us to church this weekend. And so it becomes our responsibility to pass on what we believe. Not just little bits, as it suits, but the whole story. Not just one Sacrament, but a commitment to immerse yourself into the community of God's Pilgrim People. Religion is not a supermarket where you come and buy some parts that are attractive or convenient, like a microwave meal or a pretty dress for First Communion. You don't show someone you love, a glimpse of a great treasure without doing your best to procure that treasure for them. Our faith in God is our greatest treasure and the good news is that the more we share that treasure, the greater that treasure becomes.

Cate Mapstone

Year C: Easter Sunday

The sad reality is, that for most Australians, this weekend is about having a holiday. Some of the littlest children who come for religious instruction can tell me about Australian Idol and ask me if I like Robbie Williams but they have not heard any Jesus stories. Yes, they have been baptised but unless we share our understanding and experience of God with our children then they are left in a vacuum. Today we hear of the amazement of resurrection. The wonder of this reality is only matched by the actuality of the Incarnation - that God chose to become human and be with us. After the last couple of days when we remembered the Last Supper and the horror of Golgotha, like the disciples, we have experienced the same tremendous sense of emptiness and loss.

Then there is the enormity and marvel of finding an empty tomb and rolled linen cloths. Unlike Mary Magdalene, Peter and the insistent Thomas, we do not actually see, or feel or touch the risen Lord, and yet we believe. I have been spending some time with a family who have suddenly lost their mother. In their angst and turmoil, they repeatedly cling to their faith in the resurrection. What happens to the young people who have not heard of the resurrection?

How will they make sense of the challenges and losses they will face if they have not developed a relationship with God. If they have not heard of God's forgiveness and love? If they have not heard the sacred Scriptures? If they have not heard that there is a place for them in the Church? If they have not heard of eternal peace? By comparison, secular alternatives are empty and frequently destructive. It is our belief in the resurrection that brings us to church this weekend. And so it becomes our responsibility to pass on what we believe. Not just little bits, as it suits, but the whole story. Not just one Sacrament, but a commitment to immerse yourself into the community of God's Pilgrim People. You don't show someone you love, a glimpse of a great treasure without doing your best to procure that treasure for them. Our faith in God is our greatest treasure and the good news is that the more we share that treasure, the greater that treasure becomes.

Cate Mapstone

Youth Ministry Resources Easter Sunday
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Youth Ministry Resources Easter Sunday