COVID-19 Vaccines & Catholic Morality

10/29/23 - The Greatest Commandment - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, the Jewish religious leaders are still trying to test Jesus. In today’s reading they question him about the Ten Commandments and the many additional rules that numbered over six hundred by asking him which is the most important one. Jesus answers them that the first greatest commandment is to love God with our whole heart, soul and mind. The second greatest commandment is to love others as you love yourself. The whole law depends on these two commandments.

Jesus teaches that the heart of God’s Law is love. When we keep the great commandments, we also keep all the other commandments. Sometimes we think that the commandments restrict us but they free us from those things that get in the way of loving. Jesus shows us this love in a powerful way by his life, Death, and Resurrection.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are the rules or laws in your family? How do they show love for God? How do they show love for you and others?

Family Prayer: Dear Lord, show us how to love you, ourselves, and others. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/12/23 - The Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. To understand this parable, we need to know that during Jesus’ time it was a tradition for families and friends to wait for the bridegroom when he came to bring his bride to their new home. And they could be late. The wise virgins were prepared and took extra oil and attended the wedding feast. The foolish ones did not take extra oil and while they went to get more oil the doors were closed and they were not able to attend the wedding feast.

Jesus is teaching how we need to be prepared to enter the Kingdom of Heaven because we do not know when he will return. We prepare for his coming every day through prayer, being good to one another, loving each other, going to mass. Living our faith is the work of a lifetime.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
If Jesus came back today, would you be ready to meet him?

Family Prayer: Jesus, remind us to always be prepared for you, especially each Sunday at Mass. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/19/23 - The Parable of the Talents - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us another parable. Jesus tells about a master who went on a journey and trusted three of his servants to take care of large sums of his money (talents). When he came back and asked, two of them used the talents and earned more but one didn’t use it at all. He rewarded the two servants who had used their talents, but he punished the servant who was afraid and had not used his talent.

We learn from Jesus in this parable the importance of using the talents that God has given us. God has given each of us particular skills and abilities and we must not hide them or be afraid to use them. By using the talents God has given us for his glory, we serve God and bring people closer to the Kingdom of Heaven.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What talent has God given you? How can you use it to tell others about Jesus?

Family Prayer: Lord, help us to discover our talents. Show us how you want us to use them. Amen.

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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

11/26/23 - Solemnity of Christ the King - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This Sunday is the conclusion of our liturgical year. The Solemnity of Christ the King. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that when we care for the poor, hungry, sick, tired and lonely, we are loving Him. Jesus is our King. If we wish to be in service to our King, we must be in service to those in need.

In today’s Gospel, we learn that when we serve others in need, we are loving Jesus our King. People who follow Jesus by being loving and generous to others will one day live with Jesus in Heaven forever.

As a family watch video and then ask each other this question.
How can you recognize the needs of others and help fill those needs?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to notice when someone is poor, sick, lonely hungry, or need in any way. Amen.

Click Photo

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

12/3/23 - Advent - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus tells his disciples “Be watchful! Be Alert!” He warns them to be prepared and ready because they do not know when the Lord of the house is coming.

It is the first week of Advent, and our new Liturgical Year begins. Happy New Year! We are preparing to celebrate Jesus’ birthday on Christmas Day when he was born in Bethlehem a long time ago. However, in today’s Gospel Jesus is telling his disciples to be alert. We need to reflect on what Jesus said to his disciples about his second coming. During these four weeks of Advent, let’s remember the importance of prayer and faithfulness to honor Jesus’ command telling us to be alert and ready for his return. Only God knows when this day will come.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do you stay alert to Jesus’ coming in your life? Are you ready for his return?

Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to pay attention to your words and teachings. Help us to follow you always. Amen.