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4/2/23 - Palm/Passion Sunday - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, we begin with Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem and the crowds of people welcoming him waving palm branches. Then the Gospel moves us from triumph to tragedy. It tells us about Jesus’ suffering and Death. We also learn about Judas’s betrayal, Peter’s denial, and a soldier’s faith.
These events of Jesus’ Passion will be proclaimed again when we remember Jesus’ final days at Mass on Holy Thursday the Lord’s Last Supper, Good Friday the Passion of the Lord, and the Easter Vigil. As we journey into the heart of our Christian faith, let’s remember “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other these questions.
Why does Jesus pour out his life for us? As a family what events will we participate in during Holy Week?
Family Prayer: Dear Lord, may we have the same mind and the same love you have for us. Help us to be selfless like you as we put other people’s needs before our own. Amen.
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Read more: Palm/Passion Sunday Cycle A - Domingo de Ramos/La Pasión Ciclo A
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3/26/23 - Jesus Raises Lazarus - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Fifth Sunday of Lent Jesus hears that his friend Lazarus is very sick, and when he returns to see Lazarus he has been dead for four days. His sisters Mary and Martha are very sad and Martha asks him why didn’t he come sooner? He could have healed Lazarus. Jesus said to Martha your brother will rise again. Yes, on the last day she replies. Do you believe that people who believe in me die, but that I give them life forever? She replies that he is God’s son. Jesus asks where he was buried and when he sees the tomb he weeps with the others. Jesus asks that the stone on the tomb be moved. He prays and commands Lazarus to come out from the tomb. He raises Lazarus from the dead. News of Jesus’ raising Lazarus travels fast. Many people come to believe in him, but many others are questioning his miracles and actions.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he shows us his power over death. We believe that by Jesus’ death and Resurrection, he conquered death and won eternal life for us. Our faith calls us to be like Martha and Mary, and believe that Jesus is the Resurrection and eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Why do you think Jesus wept? When someone loses a loved one, how can you comfort them in their sorrow? Do you ever think of Jesus weeping with you when you are sad?
Family Prayer: Jesus you are the Resurrection and the life. Help us to live a life of compassion and trust. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Raises Lazarus Cycle A / Jesús Resucita a Lázaro Ciclo A
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3/19/23 - Seeing and Believing - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This fourth Sunday of Lent is Laetare Sunday. “Rejoice”, Easter is drawing near!
In the Gospel of John, Jesus spits on the ground, makes clay with saliva, and smears the clay on a man born blind. Then sends him to wash off the clay in the pool and the man can see. Unfortunately, some people are upset because Jesus broke the Sabbath to heal him. However, the blind man rejoices because he can see. Jesus did not just heal him of his physical blindness where he now sees the glory of creation on earth. Jesus has also revealed to him that he is the Son of God and he believes.
Jesus invites us to use our eyes for both kinds of seeing, the wonders of creation and to see and believe in God’s unconditional love and in his healing actions. Each of us need to explore what Jesus wants us to see and believe who he is.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What do you know about Jesus that you didn’t know before? Where do you see Jesus so that you can believe in him?
Family Prayer: God, open our eyes to see you in all of Creation and believe in you. Amen.
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Read more: Seeing and Believing Cycle A / Ver y Creer Ciclo A
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3/12/23 - The Samaritan Woman - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Third Sunday of Lent, a Samaritan woman is surprised that Jesus a Jew asks her for a drink of water at a well. Jews and Samaritans didn’t speak to each other. Jesus enters into a conversation with her. He tells her about the living water that brings eternal life. She first doesn’t understand him, then she questions, objects and challenges Jesus until she listens and believes Jesus when he tells her he is a prophet and the Messiah. She becomes a witness to her townspeople. Many Samaritans believed her and come to meet Jesus themselves.
Lent is a season for reflection and repentance. Like the Samaritan woman we want to reflect on our questions, objections, and challenges. We need to listen and recognize Jesus in our hearts. When we are baptized, we receive the living water that brings eternal life. Like the Samaritan woman let’s spread the news of Jesus’ living water and bring eternal life to others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is the living water Jesus is talking about? How can you spread Jesus’ living water and bring eternal life to others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are living water within us. You nourish us, give us hope, and keep us alive and growing.
Help us share this living water within us with others. Amen.
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Read more: The Samaritan Woman Cycle A / La Mujer Samaritana Ciclo A
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2/26/23 - Jesus Chooses God - Cycle A
Dear Families,
It is the first Sunday of Lent, and in the Gospel the devil tells Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God. Jesus after not eating for forty days resists the temptations of the devil. Jesus quotes God’s words to the devil and chooses not to turn stones to bread, jump off high buildings, or take worldly power.
We learn from Jesus that when we are tempted, we too can resist temptation by knowing the word of God. For example, when the devil told Jesus to turn the stones to bread, Jesus told him that scripture says that people need more than food to live. They also need the words that God speaks. Like Jesus we have the power to choose good. God gave us the free will to make choices.
Lent is a time to grow in holiness. Learn God’s word (Scripture). Do things that will help you think about God every day. It is a time to pray (extra prayers). Give up something you like to eat or do (fasting). Give to others who need our help (almsgiving).
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What does Jesus mean when he says people do not live on bread alone? What are some choices you will make for Lent?
Family Prayer: God, we make difficult choices every day. Help us to make loving, safe, and healthy choices. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Chooses God Cycle A / Jesús Elige a Dios Ciclo A
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4/9/23 - Jesus is Risen - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Happy Easter. Alleluia, Jesus is Risen. This Sunday is a day when we rejoice, Jesus is alive!
In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, Mary Magdalene discovers that Jesus’ tomb is empty, she runs and tells Simon Peter and Jesus’ beloved disciple that Jesus is missing, where could they have put him? She does not consider that Jesus has been raised from the dead. The disciples are slow to recognize the significance of Jesus’ empty tomb. As we continue our 50-day Easter season, we will learn how they come to realize that Christ is still with them.
During this Easter season we learn more about how the disciples came to believe that Jesus had been raised from the dead. In the days ahead let us reflect on Jesus’ empty tomb, and see the risen Christ in our lives. Remember every day “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.”
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do you share the Good News of Jesus’ Resurrection with others?
Family Prayer: Alleluia! We are filled with joy that Jesus has been raised from the dead. Help us, God, to share our joy with others. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus is Risen Cycle A / Jesus ha Resucitado Ciclo A
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3/5/23 - The Transfiguration - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Second Sunday of Lent Gospel, Jesus travels up a mountain with Peter, James and John. Jesus is transfigured and his face becomes as dazzling as the sun; his clothes radiate bright light. Moses and Elijah also appeared and were speaking with Jesus. It is a vision of Jesus’ divinity shining through his humanity. This vision was so beautiful that Peter wanted to stay and build three tents; one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. All of a sudden Peter, James and John hear a voice from the cloud that tells them “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” They are so scared that they fall to the ground. But Jesus comes to them and tells them not to be afraid. Jesus gives them an order. Don’t tell anyone about this vision until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.
This vision of Jesus transfigured in glory tells all of us to remember Jesus’ risen, shining self. Jesus calls us to shine like him, now and forever. As beloved sons and daughters of God we need to listen to Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are you doing for Lent that will help you listen to Jesus? Will this transform you to be the light of God for others?
Family Prayer: God, we know that Jesus is your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him. Amen.
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Read more: The Transfiguration Cycle A / La Transfiguración Ciclo A
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Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciple John said to Jesus. “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus teaches the disciples that they should not be reluctant to share Jesus’ healing powers with others. No one who performs good deeds in his name is against him. God’s love is for everyone. Jesus teaches his disciples that goodness and godliness are qualities to be nurtured in ourselves and in others. No matter our race, age, or social status, Jesus wants us to welcome and accept others as he does.
Jesus also says some things that sounds crazy. Why would he say cut off your hand and foot, pluck your eye out if this causes you to sin? He is saying these things not for us to do it. But so that we can realize that our hand, foot and eye are parts of our bodies that can lead us away from God when they are not used for His glory. Pay special attention to the reflection part of this week’s video. It will explain how this teaching applies to our world today.
As a family watch video in its entirety, it’s important to watch video to ask each other this question.
Am I using my hand, foot, or eye to block my relationship with Jesus?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to strengthen our weaknesses, and walk in your path.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/5/21 - Second Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, John the Baptist (Jesus’ cousin) goes all over the country around the Jordan River and tells everyone to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. John was not afraid to talk about Jesus and to encourage people to repent and turn away from sin. John gave hope to people. He shared the Good News of Jesus, that he was coming to save them, and we should share this too.
When we light one more candle this Sunday, hopefully it will continue to remind us of how we are called to make changes in our lives and make a straight path to the Lord.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What changes must I make within me that is standing in the way of growing closer to Jesus?
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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Read more: Second Sunday of Advent Year C / Segundo Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
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1/16/22 - Wedding in Cana- Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus performs his first miracle. He turns water into wine at a wedding in Cana. Mary observed that the hosts had run out of wine and this could become an embarrassing situation. Mary told Jesus and he said he wasn’t ready, but Mary told the servers “Do whatever he tells you”. Jesus obeyed Mary and asked the servers to bring six stone jars with water and changes the water into wine. And not just ordinary wine, but the very best. This is the first sign of Jesus glory.
Mary interceded at the wedding celebration and Jesus listened to her request and obeyed. Mary intercedes for us when we ask her to pray for us. She is an example of how presenting our needs and those of others to Jesus we can be confident that he will respond to our prayers in extraordinary ways.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When we see a need how can we try to help?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to be obedient, just like you were to your mother. Help us see the needs of others. Help us to do what you teach us.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/9/22 - Baptism of the Lord- Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Many people in Israel thought John the Baptist was the Messiah. John clears the confusion by explaining he baptizes with water but one mightier than he will baptize with the Holy Spirit. After Jesus was baptized by John, the Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove. A voice from Heaven said, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each present for this important event. Jesus is not alone when he begins his mission.
Like Jesus, we are God’s beloved sons and daughters. When we are baptized, we are not alone. God is getting us ready for a special mission. At our Baptism we become members of a community that continues Jesus’ work of healing and teaching.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What difference does being baptized make in the choices you make?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Lord for making us members of your family through Baptism. Amen.
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Read more: Baptism of the Lord Cycle C / Bautismo del Señor Ciclo C
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3/20/22 - Parable of the Fig Tree - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday, Jesus tells us about a fig tree. In Jesus’ country, a fig tree is as common as an apple tree is to us. Many people grew fig trees and looked forward to eating the figs. The fig tree in Jesus’ parable isn’t producing figs. What to do? Cut it down? The gardener gives the tree another chance and says he will add more fertilizer and give the tree more care. Jesus wants us to see God is like the gardener who wants to care for us and give us another chance. The Gospel calls us to turn toward God and be fruitful by showing love for one another.
Lent is a good time to pray and understand that we must turn from bad things and practice doing good things. Our deeds are our fruit.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you bear good fruit with your life?
Family Prayer: Lord, increase your love in us so that we may increase the fruits of your love. Amen
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Read more: Parable of the Fig Tree Cycle C/ Parábola de Una Higuera Ciclo C
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Dear Families,
It is the fourth Sunday of Advent. In this Sunday’s Gospel the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and asked her to be the mother of Jesus. She said yes to God’s invitation. Mary believed God could do impossible things. Through her yes, she brought Jesus into the world. This Thursday, December 25th, after all the waiting and preparation, our Savior is here. It is a time of great joy. Merry Christmas to all. May the birth of our Savior open your hearts to his love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question. How do you show that you believe God can do impossible things? How is Jesus a gift in your life? How do you share this gift with others?
Family Prayer: Dear God, show us how to bring Jesus to others.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/27/22 - The Forgiving Father - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells us a parable about a man who has two sons. The youngest son who asked his father for his inheritance, left his home and squandered it all. The oldest son stayed, worked and obeyed him. When the youngest son returns the father throws him a party. His oldest son is jealous and doesn’t understand the father giving him a celebration for his bad behavior. What about me? I’ve been good where is my party? He is jealous. Jesus teaches us about God’s love and forgiveness. In our lives we are at times like the younger son, we walk away from God. Other times we might be like the older son, jealous of the love and forgiveness that God shows to others.
This story speaks to us about the meaning of reconciliation, God’s love, forgiveness and mercy. It is Lent, let us seek to be reconciled with God and others, especially through the healing Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This Laetare Sunday let us rejoice and remember the joy that Easter will bring after the time of repentance during Lent. Jesus tells us, “there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents”. (Luke 15:7).
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question?
How can you find joy even when you are struggling or suffering?
Family Prayer: Lord, open our hearts to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. Show us your mercy and help us to be merciful to others. Amen
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Read more: The Forgiving Father Cycle C / El Padre Que Perdona Ciclo C
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11/28/21 - First Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
Advent means “coming” it is a season of promises. We remember how long people waited for God to send the promised Messiah. We remember Jesus’ promise to be with us always. We wait for Jesus and his promise to come again in glory.
This Sundays Gospel tells us to be ready for Jesus Second coming. It contains a strong message for us to not be distracted by problems or our own bad behaviors while we wait. Jesus wants us to be good to others and ourselves while we prepare for his return.
Watch video in entirety and then ask each other this question.
What are ways to prepare for Jesus coming in glory?
Family Prayer: Lord, we want to become the people you created us to be. Give us the grace to work on those things we need to correct or improve. Amen
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Read more: First Sunday of Advent Year C / Primer Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
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3/6/22 - Jesus Faces Temptation - Cycle C
Dear Families,
Sunday’s Gospel reveals Jesus as fully human and fully divine. The devil tempts Jesus in the desert, promising him human power and earthly goods. Jesus shows us how to resist temptation by holding tightly to the promises of God found in Sacred Scripture.
This week is the first Sunday of Lent. Lent is a special time when we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection. We prepare through Prayer by talking with God; Fasting by giving things up not just food; Almsgiving by giving generously to those who are in need.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other these questions.
What are some temptations you experience? How does the Church help you to strengthen yourself against them?
Family Prayer: Pray the Lord’s Prayer together. Focus on the words “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.”
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Read more: Jesus Faces Temptation Cycle C/ Jesús Enfrenta La Tentación Ciclo C
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4/3/22 - Jesus Refuses to Condemn - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus urges teachers of the law to help people grow rather than condemn them. The teachers bring to Jesus a woman whom they have caught committing a very serious sin. According to the law this sin is punishable by her being stoned to death. Instead of telling them that they should punish her according to the law, Jesus told them that they should only punish her if they themselves had never sinned. They all walked away because they have all sinned. The accused woman had sinned and she was left alone before Jesus. Jesus told the woman, go and do not sin again. He was merciful.
Jesus teaches us to not be mean to people we know have sinned. We should try to be merciful like Jesus, and we should be kind to sinners because we are sinners too.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
When has forgiveness given you a new start? How do you show mercy to others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to see our faults, before looking at the faults of others. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Refuses to Condemn Cycle C / Jesús Se Niega a Condenar Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/27/22 - Jesus Speaks in Images - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us by creating images we can picture in our minds. A blind person cannot lead the blind, a rotten fruit tree cannot produce fruit, and how can you see a speck in your brother’s eyes if you have a beam in your own eye.
Jesus is saying that when a person hears his words, they will understand his teachings. When we go to Mass, study Sacred Scriptures, and pray, our hearts will be opened to apply his teachings to others. To lead the blind, bear good fruits, and be forgiving, we need to seek training in the ways of Christ and his Church. Being a disciple of Jesus means that we show our love for God in what we say and do.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other these questions.
What does it mean to be a good disciple? How do we need to learn? How are we to act?
Family Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to see what you want us to learn, and open our ears to hear your teachings.
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Read more: Jesus Speaks in Images Cycle C / Jesús Habla en Imágenes Ciclo C
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11/21/21 - Solemnity of Christ the King - Cycle B
Dear Families,
The Feast of Christ the King ends the Church year. The Church celebrates this feast to hold up Jesus as the kind of king and leader the world needs.
This Sunday’s Gospel when Pilate asks Jesus if he is a king, he answers that his kingdom does not belong to this world. He has no army. Jesus is not a king of power and force. He reins his kingdom by being a Servant King. He serves people with God’s truth, love and peace. Jesus has authority over everything, but he humbles himself to serve us and even to die for us.
On this feast of Christ the King, let us remember to allow Christ to rein in our minds, will, hearts, and bodies. Let us be followers of the Servant King.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How is God’s kingdom different from a kingdom on earth?
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: Solemnity of Christ the King - Cycle B/ Solemnidad de Cristo Rey - Ciclo B
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3/13/22 - Peter, James, and John See a Vision of Jesus - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus takes Peter, John, and James to the mountain to pray. While Jesus was praying, they fell asleep. They woke up and saw Jesus’ appearance change, his clothes were dazzling white and he was speaking with Moses and Elijah. While Peter was speaking to Jesus about making three tents, the disciples became frightened when a cloud came and cast a shadow over them. They heard a voice from the cloud that said to them “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.”
If the disciples had stayed asleep, they would have missed this amazing event. They would not have seen Jesus in glory. They would not have heard the voice from heaven. During Lent let’s stay awake to see Jesus’ presence in our lives and listen to Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How can you listen to Jesus? What might he say to you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, open our ears and hearts to better hear you. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/20/22 - Jesus Says Love Your Enemies - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus reminds us to be kind even to those who are not kind to us. This is very difficult, but if we want to be like Jesus, we need to love our enemies, and those who would hurt us. Jesus is teaching us about mercy. Mercy is treating others, not as they deserve, but as God wishes them to be treated. God’s love is given to both the saint and sinner. Jesus loved everyone, even those who crucified him. We should try our best to be like him. Next time someone is mean to you ask Jesus to help you forgive that person. Jesus calls us to treat others in the way we want to be treated.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do you need to ask forgiveness from God or another person? What is holding you back from doing so?
Family Prayer: Lord, we find it hard to be kind when someone is not kind to us. Help us to see others as you do, so that we will not be tempted to judge them or be unkind.
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Read more: Jesus Says, Love Your Enemies Cycle C / Jesus dice, "Amen a Sus Enemigos" Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/23/22 - The Word of God - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus was in his hometown Nazareth where he grew up. Being a faithful Jew He was attending the synagogue on the Sabbath. He was called to read the Scripture and make a comment. Jesus reads aloud from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah and announces that this Scripture is now fulfilled. He will bring Good News to the poor, sight to the blind, and freedom to captives. Jesus is proclaiming himself as the anointed one when he said, “Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus tells the people about his mission, the work that he will do to bring forth God’s Kingdom. Every kind thing we do is a way to serve God’s Kingdom. When we read the Word of God and reach out to people in need, we follow Jesus and continue his work showing people God’s love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How do we bring people Good News the way Jesus does?
Family Prayer: Jesus, thank you for showing us how to love others. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will continue your mission. Amen
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Read more: The Word of God Cycle C / La Palabra de Dios Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/30/22 - People Reject Jesus - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel is a continuation of last week’s Gospel. Jesus fulfills the words of the prophet Isaiah as he announced in last week’s Gospel. In this Sunday’s Gospel, people begin to recall that he is the son of Joseph the carpenter. Jesus confronts them about what they are thinking. He said they wouldn’t appreciate a prophet from their own town. They get angry when Jesus reminds them that sometimes people of other countries believed more in Israel’s prophets than their own people. He gives them the examples of Elijah and the widow of Sidon and Elisha and General Naaman who were not Israelites but believed in the prophets. The crowd did not want to hear the truth, they became so angry that they rejected him and forced him to leave town.
Jesus words were challenging to the people of his hometown Nazareth. He wanted them to respond to him differently from the way others had responded to the prophets. But they wouldn’t let his words change them or see a different perspective. At times we can be like the people of Nazareth, we don’t trust Jesus’ message because we find his words to us challenging. We need to trust his words to us and rely on his guidance in our lives.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is love? How difficult is it to listen to those who love you, especially if they are trying to inform or correct you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to be humble enough to listen when we are corrected by people who care about us. Help us to remember that they are looking out for our good. Amen
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Read more: People Reject Jesus Cycle C / La Gente Rechaza a Jesús Ciclo C
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Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is walking with his disciples through Galilee. Jesus tells his disciples that there will be conflict. He explains that he will suffer, die and rise. The disciples don’t want to think about what he is saying, they are afraid to ask questions. Instead, they argue about which one of them is the greatest. Jesus knew what they were talking about, so he tells them that if they want to be first, they must be humble and serve others.
Arguments as the disciples had in this Sunday’s Gospel are common in family life. Ever had this argument? I want to be first. I did the dishes yesterday; someone else should do it today. Why did she/he get chosen and I did not? All of us need to be reminded that to be great in God’s Kingdom is to be the servant of all.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
How do you serve others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to see you when we see people in need.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/31/22 - Rich In What Matters To God - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, when a man asks Jesus to tell his brother to share his inheritance with him, he knows that the brother is more concerned with possessions than with the love of his brother. He is being greedy; Jesus tells the parable of the rich man. There was a rich man that had such a good harvest, that he didn’t have enough space in his barns to store it all. So, he thought, I will build bigger ones and store my harvest for many years. Thinking, he could enjoy his possessions for many years; he died that night. What good were his possessions to him now?
This parable warns us against being greedy. Jesus is not saying we should not have food or save money. He is teaching us to use the things we have wisely by looking at our needs and not our wants. To understand that there are people in the world that have needs of food, clothing and shelter. He is telling us that it is more important to be loving and share what we have than to pursue having a lot of things. When a person dies, they do not take their belongings with them, but their acts of love and generosity will be remembered. We need to be rich in what matters to God.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Do your feelings show that you care too much about getting things? Do you share what you have with others?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us thank you for the material blessings you give us and to share them with others. Amen
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Read more: "Rich In What Matters To God" Cycle C / "Rico De Lo Que Vale Ante Dios" Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/13/22 - Jesus teaches the Beatitudes - Cycle C
Dear Families,
Jesus tells us, blessed are the poor, hungry, sad, and excluded, but woe to those who are rich, fed, laugh, and are famous. This Sunday’s Gospel turns people’s ideas about being happy upside down, it disrupts our ideas of success. We may think that being rich and full are signs of happiness and success, but they are not. Happiness comes from sharing what we have, comforting people who are sad and laughing with people not at them.
Jesus gives us a list of attitudes and actions that help people find real happiness, called the Beatitudes. He teaches us we are all God’s children, called to belong to God’s family and to care for each other. We are called to welcome and care for the poor, share what we have with them, and comfort people who are sad. These actions that bring people together are important in God’s kingdom.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is Idolatry? How is the way Jesus teaches us to live different from the way the world often tells us to live?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to desire things that are holy and good. Help us to resist valuing things only because our culture tells us they are important. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Teaches the Beatitudes Cycle C / Jesús Enseña las Bienaventuranzas Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/6/22 - Jesus Calls His Followers - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to the crowd from Simon’s boat. After speaking, Jesus asks Simon who had been fishing all night to cast out his nets again. Simon questions him but does as he is instructed, and to his surprise catches many fish! So many fish that other boats were signaled to come and help because their nets were tearing.
When Simon saw this, he fell at the knees of Jesus and says “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man.” Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men” and from that day forward the fishermen Simon, James, and John leave their fishing boats and follow Jesus.
Jesus calls us to follow him too. One way that we follow Jesus is by telling others about him. Jesus speaks the same message to us today to be fishers of men for his Kingdom. God wants others to see the light of Christ in us in the way we live, speak, and witness the joy of the gospel.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Like Simon (who would be called Peter), do you have feelings of unworthiness that make you afraid to approach God? What do you do with that fear?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you remind us that we shouldn’t be afraid and that you have a mission for us too. Help us to be open to sharing our faith with others. Amen
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Read more: Jesus Calls His Followers Cycle C / Jesús Llama a Sus Seguidores Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/3/22 - The Cross and a New Creation - Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s second reading Saint Paul writes to the Galatians and tells them that he may never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Christians of Galatia were confused because some preachers were telling them that to be Christians they first had to convert to Judaism and follow the entire Jewish law. St. Paul speaks of the cross and a new creation. What does he mean? Watch video and find out.
In the Gospel, Jesus sends 72 disciples to tell the people in the towns that He is coming. He says to them that the harvest is abundant but laborers are few. We the followers of Jesus need to be laborers in the fields, sowing the words of God to bring people back to God. The more laborers there are, the more plentiful the harvest.
As a family watch video in its entirety then ask each other these questions?
What does Paul mean when he speaks about a new creation? Are you a laborer of the harvest? What do you need to do to become a laborer in the harvest?
Family Prayer: Lord, by your cross and resurrection we are a new creation, help us be laborers for your kingdom. Help us bring your peace and mercy to the world. Amen
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Read more: The Cross and a New Creation Cycle C / La Cruz y una Nueva Creatura Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do you say that I am”, and Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus then tells his disciples something they may not have wanted to hear. That he was going to suffer and die. Peter objects to what Jesus has said. Jesus tells Peter you don’t understand you are not thinking as God does, but as human beings do. Like Peter we too may not understand. We also may have ideas about what we think God should be doing in our world. We risk limiting God’s plan by thinking only in human ways. God’s plans are always more than we can ever imagine. Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and is Risen!
As followers of Jesus, we need to take up our cross and follow him. Jesus gave everything for us, and he wants us to love him and trust him with our whole hearts. Jesus wants us to offer our lives in service to others. As James tells us in today’s Second Reading, we can’t just say we have faith. We need to show our faith by works of love.
As a family watch video in its entirety and ask each other this question.
What does Jesus mean when he says we must take up our cross and follow him?
Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to believe in you and trust in you completely, even when it seems difficult. Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/10/22 - Palm/Passion Sunday - Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday is the beginning of the holiest week in the Church year. On Palm Sunday we proclaim two Gospels according to Luke. We have a procession at the beginning of Mass when the first Gospel is proclaimed and Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey and people waved palms to honor him. Join in, wave your palm branch high. In the second Gospel when we proclaim the Passion and Death of Jesus, join in the responses of the Passion.
Celebrate the days of Holy Week, it expresses Jesus’ love for us. Participate at the different services on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How do people welcome Jesus to Jerusalem? How does Jesus’ Crucifixion express who he is? What memories of Holy Week stand out for you?
Family Prayer: Lord, you suffered so much for us. Help us to be strong when we suffer and to unite our sufferings to yours. Amen
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Read more: Palm/Passion Sunday Cycle C - Domingo de Ramos/La Pasión Ciclo C
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