(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/20/23 - God's Love Is For Everyone - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Sunday’s Gospel is often misunderstood. Jesus is not saying the Canaanite woman is a dog; he is trying to explain to her that she is not a person who was raised in faith. The woman believes Jesus can cure her daughter, she is persistent and continues to ask. Jesus sees her faith and cures her daughter.
Like the woman, let’s bring our needs to God in prayer with confidence and faith. Like Jesus, let us be merciful and kind to everyone who is ignored and considered an outsider.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does the Canaanite woman show her faith? How can we have faith like hers? What does Jesus teach us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes it can feel as though you cannot hear us. Help us to keep asking for help and be patient, knowing you will answer our prayers at the right time. Amen.
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Read more: God's Love Is For Everyone Cycle A / El Amor De Dios Es Para Todos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/27/23 - Who do you say that I am? - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asked his disciples who people thought the he was. They responded, that some people thought he was someone special, but none of these people understood who he really was. Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon answered “You are Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus tells Simon that God helped him see that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus tells Simon that he would now be called Peter, which means rock, he would be a strong foundation to build his Church.
Peter played an important role in the early Christian community. Jesus gave the teaching authority to Peter and it has been passed down to all those who have followed him as leaders in the Church. Like Peter, Pope Francis reminds us that we are people united in the faith that Jesus is God’s Son.
Today’s Gospel should remind us that the Church is built on a foundation united in faith that Jesus Christ is God’s Son. The family, as domestic church, has this same faith as its foundation.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How would you respond to Jesus if he asked you “Who do you say that I am? How would you respond if you were asked “Who is Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us receive the grace to recognize Jesus as the Son of God. As a family, help us build a strong foundation in our domestic church. Amen.
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Read more: Who do you say that I am? Cycle A / ¿Quién dices que soy? Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/10/23 - Is Judging Wrong - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we learn how Jesus knew that disagreements would happen. Even when we love and care for our friends and family members, we have disagreements. Jesus teaches us that when we disagree with someone, we should speak to them first. If that person isn’t willing to listen and solve the disagreement we might need to ask for help from other people.
When you have a problem with another person, pray to Jesus. Pray that he will help you be calm, listen to the other person, and bring peace to the situation.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you handle disagreements? What can you learn from Jesus’s teaching on how to handle disagreements?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us have loving and forgiving hearts so that we may always live in good relationships with others. Amen.
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Read more: Is Judging Wrong Cycle A / ¿Deberiamos Juzgar? Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/17/23 - The Lord's Call to Us - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Peter asks Jesus how many times he needs to forgive others. Then Jesus tells the story of the king who forgave someone’s debt and how this person did not forgive the person who owed him. Jesus teaches that we must forgive one another as God has forgiven us.
It is not always easy to forgive someone who hurts you. Jesus tells us that we must forgive, just as God the Father forgives us. When we hurt someone, we should ask for forgiveness right away. When someone asks for our forgiveness, we should not answer, “It’s okay,” but rather say, “I forgive you.” We must forgive one another from the heart.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do we answer Jesus’ call? Are we afraid to answer his call? When others hurt us, do we truly forgive with our hearts?
Family Prayer: Help us Lord to answer your call. And, to offer and ask for forgiveness when we have hurt each other. Amen.
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Read more: The Lord's Call to Us Cycle A / La LLamada del Señor Ciclo A
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Cycle A / Parábola de los Trabajadores de la Viña Ciclo A
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9/24/23 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a story of a vineyard owner who went out at different times to find men to work. At the end of the day, he gave each man a whole day’s wages, even though some worked all day and some only worked one hour. He started paying the workers that started working late first and the ones that came in first last. The ones who worked all day complained and were not happy because they all received the same wages. This story is not about wages or fairness.
Jesus is teaching us about God’s love and generosity. It can feel unfair when someone gets paid when they did not work as hard as you did. Jesus says, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Some people spend their whole lives working for God, and some people only turn to Him at the last minute. He teaches us that there is room for everyone in his Church and in Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is a family activity in which each member does his or her part? When did you want to be first, but did not get to be? Name something positive about putting others first?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to put others first. Remind us that you love all of us and you want us to love each other. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/1/23 - The Parable of the Two Sons - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable (story) of two sons whose father asked them to help in the vineyard. The first son said no to his father and then changed his mind and helped. The second son said yes, he would help but he did not. Both sons were asked to help. The difference between the two sons is that the first son that said no disobeyed with his words but obeyed with his action. The second son said yes with his words but disobeyed with his action.
There are times when we are asked to do something and say yes and plan not to do it. Other times we might say no and then realize we need to do it. Jesus teaches us that our actions are as important as our words. When we go to Mass each Sunday, we learn God’s love for us and how to love one another. It is important that our actions match what we learn and say at each Mass and live God’s love through our words and actions in our world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What makes you say no instead of yes when you are asked to do something? What do you say yes to and do?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to hear what you want us to know and to say yes to you. Amen.
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Read more: The Parable of the Two Sons Cycle A / Parábola de los Dos Hijos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
5/21/23 - (What is the Ascension?) 7th Sunday of Easter - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Thursday, May 18th was the feast of the Ascension of the Lord, and the video for this week will reflect on the readings of that day. In the First Reading Acts 1:1-11 Jesus took his disciples up to a hill and he disappears into a cloud. In the Gospel of Matthew 28:16-20, he commands them to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations. Want to know more? Watch the video, and ask yourselves these questions. Where did He go? What did he say? What did he promise?
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus prays not only for his disciples but also for us. He prays to God the Father to bless his people. He prays that even though we are challenged in the world to be unique and not let ourselves be influenced by the world. He prays that in the world we keep our hearts and minds on what he has revealed to us and to share it with the world. Jesus came to show us how to live in the world, and with his love we know all things are possible.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Who has taught you about Jesus? Who have you taught about Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us share God’s word as you taught us. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/8/23 - Bad Tenants and Wild Grapes - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the chief priests and elders a parable about a man who plants a vineyard, and then leased it to tenants. When the owner’s servants go to collect the produce from the tenants, they rebel and kill the servants. Then he sends his son, and they killed him also. The tenants thought they would be able to take the vineyard if the son was dead. When he finishes the parable, he questions the chief priests and elders. He asks, what would they do? And they answered that they would kill the wicked tenants. Jesus is speaking about the failure of Jesus’ own people not accepting him. When God sent His Son Jesus, the leaders were like the tenants. They did not listen or respect him. They killed Jesus on the cross.
Jesus’ parable teaches us to be part of God’s vineyard, the Church. Jesus is asking us to make good choices. Not to be like the bad tenants who were selfish. He is calling us to be a part of God’s kingdom. To be a part of God’s kingdom we need to love, not be selfish, listen to Jesus’ teachings, and be responsible to what we say we will do.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is God like the owner of the vineyard? How are you responsible at school, home, church, and with other people?
Family Prayer: God our creator, thank you for making us and sharing your wonderful world with us. Amen.
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Read more: Bad Tenants and Wild Grapes Cycle A / Malos Viñadores y Uvas Agrias Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/30/23 - Jesus is the Good Shepherd - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that he is the Shepherd that opens the gate for his sheep, and he protects them from robbers who will climb over the fence. The sheep will be led by their Shepherd’s voice and only listen to it. They will run away from a stranger’s voice.
Jesus is our shepherd at the gate of the Church. When we celebrate as a community at Mass, we are there as his sheep. He gives us the grace to hear his voice, and not those voices that want to rob us of our faith and trust in him. He knows each one of us, wants to protect us, keep us safe, and give us eternal life with God.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Who cares for you? Who has shown you how to help others? How does Jesus, the Good Shepherd, care for his sheep?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. You know us by name, care for us, and love us. Help us take care of one another through loving thoughts and actions. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus is the Good Shepherd Cycle A / Jesus es el Buen Pastor Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/4/24 - Job and Jesus - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus visits the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law is sick and Jesus cures her. She immediately begins to serve Jesus and his disciples. When it was evening, all the ill and possessed by demons gathered at the door of Simon and Andrew’s house. Jesus healed them of diseases and drove out demons. After having a busy evening, Jesus woke up early the next day. He went to a deserted place and spent time praying to God.
We need to spend time with God in prayer. Even if we are busy serving him in a ministry, we still need to take time to talk with Our Father in heaven. Like Jesus, take time each day to go to a quiet place, pray and ask God to guide and direct your life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How does Jesus make a difference to people in need? How do you make a difference to people in need? Do you have a quiet place to pray?
Family Prayer: Loving God, we ask you to bless friends, family, neighbors, and members of our parish who are sick or suffering. Please help them to trust that you are with them and that you will always love them. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/29/24 - Holy Family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, at the age of 12 Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover, an event where family and friends traveled together each year. On their way back home, they realized Jesus was not with them. They were worried when they could not find Jesus with any of their families or friends. After three days they found Jesus when they went back to the Temple. When they found him and they told him how concerned and anxious they were, Jesus asked them why were they concerned since he was in his Father’s house, but he was obedient and returned with them to Nazareth.
As a family watch reflection video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What makes our family holy?
Family Prayer: Jesus, Mary and Joseph pray for us. Amen
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Read more: Holy Family Jesus, Mary, and Joseph / Sagrada Familia de Jesús, Maria y Jose
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/7/24 - Peace Be With You - Cycle B
Dear Families,
Happy Easter! Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Jesus appears to his disciples and said to them “Peace be with you.” Thomas is not with them when he appears, and Thomas does not believe them and states that unless he sees him himself, he will not believe. Jesus appears again and asks Thomas to touch him, and not be unbelieving. Thomas touched him and said “My Lord and my God.” The Lord asks Thomas “Have you come to believe because you see me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” Jesus was blessing us when he said these words to Thomas. We are asked to show that we believe in Jesus as our Lord and God. We believe because of the witnessing of all who have gone before us in the faith.
This Sunday the Church also celebrates the feast of Divine Mercy, it is a special day when we remember God’s mercy. When we sin, we offend God, but because he is merciful, he forgives us when we are sorry. Jesus loves us, he suffered and died for us. It is a special day when we ask Jesus to look on us, our friends and the whole world with love and forgiveness.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you doubt when you are with believers, or are you a believer who has doubts? Do you trust our Lord and pray for his forgiveness of sins and His mercy?
Family Prayer: Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. Amen.
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Read more: Peace Be With You Cycle B / La Paz Este Con Ustedes Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/11/24 - When You're Stuck - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of John, people were upset because Jesus told them that he had come down from Heaven. They did not understand when Jesus said “I am the Bread of Life.” They think they know Jesus because they knew his father and mother but didn’t listen to understand what he was saying.
By praying and listening to God’s Words we learn to have faith that Jesus is God’s Son. Jesus tells us that those who listen to him will see beyond just seeing bread. The Eucharist is the Bread of Life. When we receive the Eucharist at Mass, we are receiving the Bread of Life that came down from heaven which gives us eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Who sends the Bread of Life? Who is the Bread of Life? What gift is given to those who eat the Bread of Life?
Family Prayer: Jesus, it is hard to believe what we cannot see. Help us to have faith in you and your promise that the Eucharist is really you - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Amen.
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Read more: When You're Stuck Cycle B / ¿Que Hacemos Cuando Estamos Estancados? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/16/24 - What is Faith? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells two parables about the kingdom of God. In the first parable, Jesus says that the kingdom of God is like a seed a man scatters and does not know how it grows, but with time the seed sprouts and grows into a harvest. The second parable focuses on a tiny mustard seed, that though tiny grows into a tree with large branches and welcomes many birds.
Both of these parables focus on seeds and how they take time to grow. They teach us that when we scatter the seed of God’s word, we do not know how it grows but we need to scatter the seed. Also, when we plant the tiniest seed of love in our hearts and share it with others it too grows and brings the kingdom of God to others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus use the seed in these parables to explain the Kingdom of God? What do we learn about the kingdom from the mustard seed parable?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to grow in faith and bring the kingdom of God to others. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/9/24 - What Is Most Important - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus returns home with his twelve disciples. A crowd has gathered, and he is accused that his miracles were done through the power of the devil. Jesus speaks to them in parables and warns against their denial of the love of God, the forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. When they tell Jesus that his family is outside, waiting for him, he explains that whoever does the will of God are his brother, sister, and mother.
Jesus teaches us that when we believe in him, we are members of his family. God is our Father, and we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some of the things we do as a family. What are some things we do with our Church Family?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for our family and our Church family. Help us be loving and kind to all people. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
8/4/24 - The Bread of Life Cycle - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we learn that after the multiplication of the loaves and fishes the crowd follows Jesus. Jesus teaches them that he will give them something greater than bread that fed their physical hunger, he will give them bread that will give them eternal life.
When we are hungry, Jesus knows we need to eat food. Jesus also knows that our souls also get hungry. Jesus wants to give us the gift of himself. (Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity) in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Communion). Jesus teaches us that he is the Bread of Life. Just like our bodies need food to stay alive, our souls need God to have eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell us that if we eat the bread he gives us, we will never be hungry? What does that mean?
Family Prayer: Jesus help us to see beyond our material needs, and seek you who gives us eternal life. Amen.
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Read more: The Bread of Life Cycle B / El Pan de la Vida Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/28/24 - The Miracle of the Eucharist - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we listen to how Jesus saw the huge crowd of people that had come to hear him and needed food. When he asked his disciples to feed them, they don’t think they can help. They told him that there were only 5 loaves of barley bread and two fish that a boy had brought with him. Jesus took the bread and gave thanks to God, and over 5,00 people were fed plus there were twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus’ miracle was a sign that he is truly the Son of God.
Let us remember that God feeds and nourishes us. He fulfills our physical as well as our spiritual needs. At Mass we offer the gifts of bread and wine to God and He turns it into the Body and Blood of Jesus. In the Eucharist we are fed by Jesus himself, and our spiritual needs, works, and talents are blessed and multiplied to help us live and serve others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
What gifts do you have that Jesus could multiply to help others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes we are hungry too. We hunger for love, encouragement, or peace. Please help us to turn to you to give us all the things we hunger for and also help others. Amen.
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Read more: The Miracle of the Eucharist Cycle B / Multiplicación de los Panes y los Peces Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/21/24 - Jesus: Shepherd and King - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In last week’s Gospel of Mark, we heard Jesus send his disciples to preach and heal in his name. In today’s Gospel, we hear what happens when they return. The Apostles were very tired and hungry. Jesus told them to take a break, but the crowds found out and followed them. Even though they were tired, Jesus and his Apostles were moved with pity and continued to help the people. Jesus is aware that the crowd of people are like sheep without a shepherd and he begins to teach them.
Family demands can make us feel tired like Jesus and the twelve apostles. It isn’t easy to help others when we are tired. Follow Jesus and bring your concerns to him. Just as he was moved when he saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd, he will hear you and guide you as your Shepherd.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you find the energy to do the things you need to do when you are tired?
Family Prayer: Jesus, we know your grace is sufficient for whatever we need to do. Please help us turn to you when we need to rest and when we need strength. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus: Shepherd and King Cycle B / Jesús: Pastor y Rey Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/8/24 - He Is Coming
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist told people Jesus was coming to save them. He shared the Good News of Jesus, and we should too. John gave hope to people. He was not afraid to talk about Jesus’ coming and to encourage people to turn away from sin.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what ways can you share Jesus with others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to recognize what hurts your heart and have the courage to work to change it. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/1/24 - Advent
Dear Families,
Happy New Year! The Church’s new year begins on this First Sunday of Advent. This week’s Gospel focus is on the Second Coming of Jesus. Jesus tells his disciples about the end of everything. “He tells them that there will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars. And on earth, distress among the nations”. We learn that earthly things do not last forever. But we are not to fear, because he also tells his disciples that after this devastation they will see “The Son of Man coming on a cloud with great power and majesty”. Everything on earth will end but God is eternal and He will be with us forever.
This first Sunday of Advent we begin to prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. When you come to Mass during Advent you will see a candle lighted each week and pray for hope, peace, joy and love. Let the light of these candles bring these prayers and the light of Christ to your family, friends, neighbors. Let’s celebrate his First Coming by being good to others and ourselves which will also prepare us for his Second Coming.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are your hopes for yourself, your family, our world? What are ways you can prepare for Jesus’ coming?
Family Prayer: Lord, during Advent give us the grace to work on those things we need to correct or improve and become your shining light to the world. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/14/24 - The Salvation Story - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus sent the 12 Apostles he had chosen two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits. Jesus gave them specific instruction as to what to bring for their journey. He also explained that they would be rejected as he was rejected. They went and healed the sick, drove out demons, and told people to turn away from sin.
The Apostles trusted everything Jesus told them to do. Jesus sent his disciples two by two, not alone. We are not alone; and our message will be rejected by family, friends, and others. However, always remember that we are supported by the faithful community in our Church, and we are all called to share his message of repentance and healing as his disciples. Jesus wants each of us to trust him, share his truth, and do good things in his name.
As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other this question.
How are you as disciples bringing the message of repentance and healing to your family, friends, and others?
Family Prayer: Lord, fill our family with faith, send us out as your disciples to share your message of salvation. Amen.
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Read more: The Salvation Story Cycle B / Jesús y La Salvación del Mundo Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/1/24 - Why Rules? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells the Pharisees and some scribes that our holiness is more than just following their rules. Jesus tells them that their thoughts and actions are not following God’s commandments.
Jesus teaches us that that when we are kind, generous and loving towards one another we are following God’s laws.
Watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we follow God’s laws in our hearts?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to be true in our faith and love for you. Let our hearts and our actions reflect that love. Amen.
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Read more: Why Rules? Cycle B / ¿Por Que Seguir Las Reglas? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/24/24 - The Good King - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of John, we listen to Jesus’ trial before Pontious Pilate. When Pilate asks him “Are you a King?” Jesus responds that his kingdom is not of this world and that he has come into the world to testify to the truth.
This Sunday is the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe. The start of the last week in the Church’s liturgical calendar. We learn that Jesus is King of the universe, but he doesn’t demand anything except our love and obedience to the commandments. Jesus has authority over everything, but he humbles himself to serve us and even to die for us.
He teaches us to be servant leaders and rule with love. When leaders rule with love, they build the kingdom of God.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is God’s kingdom different from a kingdom on earth? What kind of leader or king is Jesus?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are a good and loving king. Help us to follow your will and trust that it is always for our good. Amen.
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Read more: The Good King Cycle B / Nuestro Señor Jesucristo, Rey del Universo Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/10/24 - The Widows - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus was sitting near the Temple treasury, where he could see the people who came to drop in their money. Many rich people put in a lot of money. Then a poor widow came up and dropped in two little copper coins. Jesus gathered his disciples and said to them, that poor widow gave more to the treasury than all the others. They gave what they could spare without hurting. But she, a poor widow, has given all she had to live on.
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us a unique way to look at how we are to be generous. He explains that giving from our excess is not as powerful as giving everything like the widow did. We are challenged to give everything to God, not just our extra time, talent, and treasure.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What have you held back from God?
Family Prayer: Help us to see what we are holding back from you, Lord, and to give it freely. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/27/24 - Jesus and Bartimaeus - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, a blind man called Bartimaeus called out to Jesus to cure him. The crowd around him try to silence him, but Bartimaeus keeps persisting by calling out louder. Jesus hears Bartimaeus, approaches him, and asks him what he wants. Bartimaeus responds that he wants to see. Jesus tells Bartimaeus that his faith has saved him and heals him of his blindness.
Jesus teaches us that to be persistent about bringing our needs to him when we are hurting, lonely, or sad. Jesus wants us to have so much faith in him that we should not let anyone stop us from calling out to him. He loves us, and he is always there to help us.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What do you want Jesus to heal for you? Do you believe that he can heal you?
Family Prayer: Lord, sometimes we don’t even recognize that we need healing. Help us to see where we might be broken and humbly ask you to heal us. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus and Bartimaeus Cycle B / Jesús y Bartimeo Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/22/24 - Feeling Jealous? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus explains that he will suffer and die, but the disciples are too afraid of what he is saying to question him about it. Instead, they begin to argue on which one of them is the most important. Jesus knew what they were talking about, so he tells them that if they want to be first, they must be humble, be last and serve others.
Jesus teaches us that what is most important is not having the best things or being best at something. We learn that when we freely love and serve others, we are great in God’s eyes.
As a family watch video and then ask each other this question?
How can you serve others and help them with the difficulties they are experiencing?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to see you when we see people in need. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/30/24 - Miracles - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear how Jesus performed two miracles. We first hear the story about the father asking Jesus to heal his sick daughter. The second story is about a desperate sick woman who dares to touch Jesus. Jesus’ touch raised the dead girl and cured the sick woman who touched him. He was moved by the faith of these two people.
In these two miracles we learn to pray when we or someone in our family is sick. Jesus teaches us that when we ask with faith, he will touch us and heal us. He will help us understand what we are going through. Remember Jesus is always with us and loves us. We experience Jesus touch by going to Mass, and praying every day.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does it mean to ask Jesus for something with faith?
Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to have faith. Teach us to ask for what we need with faith. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/23/24 - Jesus Calms the Storm - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus is in a boat sleeping with his Apostles when a big storm came up and they were afraid they were going to sink. They wake him and ask him if he is not afraid, they will sink. Jesus stops the storm and asks them “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
There are many times and reasons as to why we worry and are afraid. Remember, that whatever storms we face in our lives, when we have faith and trust Jesus his peace will calm our storms.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
When you are afraid, do you remember that Jesus is with you? How can Jesus help you when you are afraid?
Family Prayer: Jesus, increase our trust in you when we are afraid. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Calms the Storm Cycle B / La Tempestad Calmada Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/5/25 - Epiphany of the Lord
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Gospel tells us about the Magi. They were three wise men from the East that had seen a special star rising up in the sky and traveled to Jerusalem. They asked to meet with King Herod and asked him where was the child who had been born King of the Jews because they wanted to do him homage. Herod was very upset with this question. He was already the King of the Jews. He was upset someone would take away his power. Herod asked the Magi to let him know when they found him because he too wanted to do homage. But secretly he wished to learn his whereabouts so he could kill him.
The Magi followed the star to Bethlehem until it stopped over the place where the Child Jesus was. They bowed to the ground and did homage, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. During the night they had a dream telling them not to go back to Herod, so they went back to their country taking another road.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give Jesus that shows your love for God and others?
Family Prayer: Lord, like the Magi help us to seek and worship you as our King. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/2/24 - What is the Eucharist? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In this week’s Gospel of Mark, we hear Jesus give instructions to his disciples for preparing a special meal for the Jewish celebration of Passover. We also hear about the meal that Jesus shares with his disciples at the Last Supper.
Some of you have already celebrated your First Eucharist, and this special day took planning and preparation.
Each Sunday Jesus invites us to join him in this special supper. As a family, continue planning and preparing each Sunday to receive the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are some things that we might do to prepare ourselves to celebrate the Eucharist?
Family Prayer: Lord, please help us to recognize you in the Holy Eucharist. Help us to remember that you are truly present. Amen.
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Read more: What is the Eucharist? Cycle B / ¿Que es la Eucaristía? Ciclo B
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