Virus Season

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)

7/7/24 - What is a Prophet? - Cycle B

Dear Families,

Last Sunday, we saw Jesus perform great miracles because of faith. This Sunday is quite different. People in Jesus’ hometown could not see who he really was. They only recognized the person they remembered from when he was younger. Because of their lack of faith, he did not perform any miracles.

Listen carefully to the Gospel, and consider whether you struggle to believe Jesus could do miracles.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why did the people in Jesus’ hometown have trouble seeing him as the Messiah and doubted he could do miracles?

Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, it is normal to doubt things sometimes. Please help us to look past our doubt and trust in you for everything. 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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(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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(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.