Services

10/23/22 -The Pharisee and the Tax Collector- Cycle C

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel Jesus tells us another parable about prayer. He tells the story about two men praying in the Temple. One was a Pharisee who was a member of a pious religious group who studied and carefully kept the Law of Moses and taught the written law of the Bible. The Pharisee prayed about his goodness and compared himself to others who were not as good as he. The other was a Jewish tax collector who made his living by collecting taxes for the Romans, and at times charged more to make a better living. People during those days did not like them. The tax collector prayed and asked God to have mercy on him, a sinner. Jesus praises the tax collector for his humility and admonishes the Pharisee’s self-righteousness.

Praying with humility helps us understand and admit that all the good things we do come from God. It helps us be sorry for the selfish things we have done, be sorry for our sins, and ask God for forgiveness.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
When have you been like the Pharisee? The tax collector? What is the difference?

Family Prayer: Lord, show us where we lack humility, and help us to remember to do good deeds in your name. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/18/22 - An Angel Speaks to Joseph - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we learn about Joseph’s dilemma when he learns that Mary, who he is betrothed to, is expecting a child that is not his. He could have accused Mary of adultery and subjected her to punishment. But he was unwilling to take this step, so he decided to divorce her quietly. However, an Angel appears to Joseph in a dream, and tells Joseph to take Mary as his wife for her pregnancy is an act of God. The angel tells him to name the baby Jesus. Joseph trusting God, makes a choice, and does what the Angel tells him. He takes Mary into his home and names the baby Jesus which means “he will save”.

As the prophet Isaiah said, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel which means “God is with us”. Let us not forget that God is always with us. He is our Savior.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When has God helped you make a choice when you needed help?

Family Prayer: God, help us make choices that bring us closer to you. Help us to follow your guidance. Jesus, I trust in you. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/20/22 - Jesus Rules with Forgiveness and Love - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday is the end of our liturgical year and we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King. When Jesus was on earth many of his followers thought he would be the ruler of an earthly kingdom, rule and have soldiers. Instead, Jesus is crucified and made fun of, and they write on a sign above his cross, “This is the King of the Jews”. Jesus is mocked and hangs between two thieves and is ridiculed by one for not saving them and himself, but the other defends Jesus. He asks Jesus to remember him and Jesus promises that they will be in Heaven together.

Today’s Gospel invites us, like the good thief on the cross to recognize that Jesus is indeed King and savior of all. Let’s recognize that the Cross is a place of trust, where Jesus accepted his death for our salvation. Jesus’ Resurrection shows that his actions for forgiving, sharing, and loving have power stronger than death for all of us. He is, “Christ the King”, our savior.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.

What kind of King is Jesus? How does Jesus lead us? How do we ask Jesus for forgiveness?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you are our King and there is no other. Help us to follow your example of forgiveness. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

9/25/22 - Lazarus and the Rich Man - Cycle C

Dear Families,

This Sunday Jesus tells us a parable about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. While they were alive, the rich man had everything he wanted, but Lazarus the poor man, lay by the rich man’s gate. The rich man never gave him anything.

Eventually both men died. Lazarus the poor man went to heaven and the rich man did not. The rich man realized too late that he only thought of himself and had been selfish. Jesus wants us to help the poor and suffering people around you. He wants us to see the suffering and listen to the cry of the poor.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways God wants us to care for our world and for people? What are some things you share with others?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to not be selfish. May we treat others as you would treat them. Amen

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

5/7/23 - Jesus Is Our Way to God - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. To have faith in him. He declares “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” He is the way to the Father in Heaven. Whoever knows him knows God. They learn that whoever believes in him will be able to do the work that he did and greater ones.

Let us all remember that we are not to be troubled. Jesus loves us. He tells us that when we know him, and believe in him we are on the path to God in heaven. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Through him we find eternal life and when we share these truths, he tells us we are able to do his work and more.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus tell his disciples to have faith in him? What does Jesus ask of his followers? Do you follow Jesus?

Family Prayer: Jesus, you are the way, the truth, and the life. Help our hearts not be troubled and trust you in all things. Amen.