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1/7/24 - The Magi

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas!  In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.  We learn how the Magi were not members of the Jewish people.  The Magi came from far away because they had seen a star appear in the sky and understood that a king had been born and traveled to Jerusalem.  When they arrived in Jerusalem, they first met with the king of Jerusalem.  King Herod was rich, had servants, was a powerful leader and everyone did what he commanded.  But the Magi understood that this was not the king they were seeking.  So, they continued their journey and followed the star to Bethlehem.  They found the new king not in a palace or rich.  The Magi found a baby with his mother and understood that this was the true king.  They knelt and they offered him their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 

In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but on the feast of the Epiphany.  The Magi teach us that Jesus is here for all of us and to seek him.  Let’s celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and bring to Jesus the gift of the best version of ourselves that God created us to be and to serve him.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What can the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus?  What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

 

Family Prayer:  Lord, your kingly power, announced by a star, shines brightly.  May our hearts be opened to seek you and serve you completely.  Amen.

 

 

The Magi 2024 En

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2/5/23 - You're the Salt & Light of the World - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel, Jesus continues his Sermon on the Mount.  He compares our lives to salt and light, things we need and use every day in our daily lives.  When we taste food that is not salted it tastes bland, add the right amount of salt and its tastes good.  When we enter a dark space and there is no light we cannot see where we are going, turn on the light or a lamp and you can see where you are going.

 

Jesus wants us to bring the right amount of salt to the earth with the goodness and truth that he gives us.  Jesus wants us to be God’s light to the world by being kind and merciful with everyone.  Jesus teaches us that we are to be the salt of the earth and the light to the world.  We need to share his love with everyone.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why do you think Jesus compares his followers to salt and light?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, knowing that you love us makes a big difference in our lives. 
Help us show others your love.  Amen.

 

 

SaltofEarth En

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6/25/23 - Do Not Be Afraid - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells his twelve apostles to not be afraid.  Do not be worried.  They would be challenged by the world because of their belief, but He assures them that God knows, loves, and protects them.  God their Father even knows how many hairs they have on their heads.

 

What Jesus says to his Apostles reminds us that we should always remember how much God knows, loves, and protects us.  He knows us and sees even little things we might fear or worry about.  We don’t need to live in fear, because God our Father is always with us.  Do not be afraid.  Share God’s love and care with those around you.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you share God’s love with others?  What do you hear in this Gospel when you are afraid to share God’s love with others?

 

Family Prayer:  Dear Lord, help us to not be afraid to spread the message of God’s love to others.  Amen.

 

 

WhatYouAfraid En

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1/14/24 - Christ is Calling - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we hear how John the Baptist points to Jesus and tells two of his disciples “Behold, this is the Lamb of God.”  They heard what John said and follow Jesus who asks them “What are you looking for.”  They don’t answer the question but ask him “Where are you staying” and he answers “Come, and you will see”.  Andrew who had been one of the disciples who had followed Jesus, tells his brother Simon they have found the Messiah, and brings him to Jesus.

 

Jesus calls each one of us to come and see who he is.  We get to know Jesus by developing a relationship with him.  Like Andrew when we have experienced Jesus in our lives, we want to share this encounter with our family and friends.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How would you answer if Jesus asked you “What are you looking for?”

 

Family Prayer:  Dear Lord, open our hearts to see you in our lives.  Amen.

 

 

ChristisCalling 2024 En

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4/16/23 - Believing & Trusting - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Happy Easter!  Easter season is a celebration of fifty days, from Easter until Pentecost.

 

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Thomas is not with the Apostles when Jesus appears to them.  He is told that Jesus appeared to them but Doubting 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 is also Divine Mercy Sunday.  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.  Like Thomas the Apostle we need to see and we have our doubts, but God understands us and forgives us.  We need to trust that he is always with us and loves us.

 

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 understanding when you have doubts?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, I Trust in You!

 

 

Doubting Thomas En

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