(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
11/10/24 - The Widows - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus was sitting near the Temple treasury, where he could see the people who came to drop in their money. Many rich people put in a lot of money. Then a poor widow came up and dropped in two little copper coins. Jesus gathered his disciples and said to them, that poor widow gave more to the treasury than all the others. They gave what they could spare without hurting. But she, a poor widow, has given all she had to live on.
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us a unique way to look at how we are to be generous. He explains that giving from our excess is not as powerful as giving everything like the widow did. We are challenged to give everything to God, not just our extra time, talent, and treasure.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What have you held back from God?
Family Prayer: Help us to see what we are holding back from you, Lord, and to give it freely. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/4/23 - The Most Holy Trinity - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This week we return to the liturgical season of Ordinary Times (I like to call it Growing Times). However, the next two Sundays are special days that call our attention to the mysteries of our faith. This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, and we celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity. Whenever you begin your prayers with the Sign of the Cross, think about the Blessed Trinity. God the Father, Jesus the son, and the Holy Spirit. The Trinity is God’s love in the world.
Today’s Gospel of John tells us that “God so loved the world that he gave his Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” God loves us so much that he sent his only Son, Jesus to save the world. Jesus, in turn, sent the Holy Spirit so that our faith in God and his love would be strengthened.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How is God’s great love in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit experienced in our family?
Family Prayer: Lord, we ask you to help us live each day in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Read more: The Most Holy Trinity Cycle A / La Santisima Trinidad Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
6/11/23 - Body & Blood of Christ - Cycle A
Dear Families,
This Sunday is a very special feast day called Corpus Christi, a Latin word which means “Body of Christ”. In John’s Gospel we hear how Jesus told the crowd that those that eat his flesh and drinks his blood has eternal life. It was difficult then and now to understand, but our faith tells us that each time we go to mass the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus. At mass listen to the words the priest says as he consecrates the bread and wine. As he elevates the host remember this is now Jesus you are looking at. When we receive the Eucharist, he nourishes our souls and strengthens our faith. Jesus is truly with us; he is the living bread of eternal life.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why do you think Jesus gave us the Eucharist?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you are truly the Bread of Life. Thank you for your loving presence in the Eucharist. Amen.
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Read more: Body & Blood of Christ Cycle A / Cuerpo y Sangre de Cristo Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/9/23 - King of Peace - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.” Jesus is telling us that God, Our Father, understands when we are worn out. He knows when we are burdened with problems, are tired at work, at school. He teaches us that when we pray and share our burdens with him, they become lighter.
God wants us to go to him when we need to rest, and open our minds to his wisdom and love. When our hearts rest in God we experience peace. When we experience this peace, it is then shared with love and compassion for others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Do you go to God when you are troubled?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus in our times of trouble, let us always share our burdens with you. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
7/23/23 - Weeds Among the Wheat - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In Matthew’s Gospel of this week, Jesus continues to speak to us in parables. In today’s first parable, Jesus talks about a man who tells his servants to let the weeds grow along with the wheat until harvest time, this way the wheat will not be pulled along with the weeds. The man told them to wait till harvest time. Then they were to burn the weeds and gather the wheat into his barn.
The weeds represent the evil in the world, the wheat the good in the world. Wheat and weeds must grow together until harvest time. Let this serve us as a reminder about the Kingdom of God, and learn that through our actions we must be the wheat in the world, not be judgmental, and bring God’s love and mercy to all. God is merciful, and gives us time to do good actions so that on judgement day we can be gathered into his barn, his Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What does this parable of the weeds and wheat tell us about God’s judgment and his Kingdom?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to pull the weeds out of our hearts and mind, and become the loving wheat you desire for us to be gathered into your Heavenly Kingdom. Amen
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Read more: Weeds Among the Wheat Cycle A / Cizaña Entre el Trigo Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/17/23 - Christ in Our Hearts - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we hear how John the Baptist answered when he was asked if he was the Messiah. He told them that as Isaiah had said, he was the voice of the one crying out in the desert, making straight the way of the Lord. John the Baptist was preparing the way for Jesus coming. John said he was baptizing with water and someone that they did not recognize would baptize them with the Holy Spirit.
Like John the Baptist we are called to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus and be the voice of faith proclaiming Jesus to the world. In this third Sunday of Advent, as we light the pink candle of Joy, let us rejoice and remember that “Emmanuel” God is with us. Share this joy.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who are the people in word and action that have taught you about Jesus?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to teach others about you. Help us to be voices of faith. Amen.
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Read more: Christ in Our Hearts Cycle B / Jesus en Nuestros Corazones Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/28/24 - "To him you shall listen" - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a man when he is teaching on the Sabbath during synagogue worship in Capernaum. He heals the man with an unclean spirit. This unclean spirit recognized Jesus as the Holy One sent by God and asked if he had come to destroy him. Jesus rebuked him and told the evil spirit to come out of him and it did. The people who witness are amazed at his authority. Jesus has God’s authority to teach and heal.
Through this miracle Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson of God’s love, his authority, and his healing power. He doesn’t reject the man he heals him and we learn that Jesus brings God’s healing power to all people. We should all share the healing power of Jesus with others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Do we recognize Jesus’ authority over us, his healing power, and his ability to teach us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, please help us to listen to you in all things. Amen.
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Read more: "To him you shall listen" Cycle B / "A él lo escucharán" Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/2/22 - Epiphany of the Lord- Cycle C
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Gospel tells us about the Magi. They were three wise men from the East that had seen a special star rising up in the sky and traveled to Jerusalem. They asked to meet with King Herod and asked him where was the child who had been born King of the Jews because they wanted to do him homage. Herod was very upset with this question. He was already the King of the Jews. He was upset someone would take away his power. Herod asked the Magi to let him know when they found him because he too wanted to do homage. But secretly he wished to learn his whereabouts so he could kill him.
The Magi followed the star to Bethlehem until it stopped over the place where the Child Jesus was. They bowed to the ground and did homage, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. During the night they had a dream telling them not to go back to Herod, so they went back to their country taking another road.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give Jesus that shows your love for God and others?
Family Prayer: Lord, like the Magi help us to seek and worship you as our King. Amen.
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Read more: Epiphany of the Lord Cycle C / Epifanía del Señor Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/25/22 - Nativity of the Lord
Dear Families,
Merry Christmas, know that you are in my prayers. Wishing all of you hope, peace, joy, and love.
In this video, “The Nativity” Mary and Joseph welcome their son into the world. Shepherds visit and marvel at the baby before sharing the news of Jesus’ miraculous birth with others. The Magi visit and pay homage to Jesus. Mary accepts the visitors praises and stores them in her heart.
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus in our world. In Jesus, God becomes one of us and lives among us. Let us shine the light of God’s love by sharing the birth of Jesus with everyone.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give to Jesus?
Family Prayer: God, we welcome Jesus into our hearts this Christmas. Help us to believe that Jesus is with us every day. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
9/3/23 - God Forbid! - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In last week’s Gospel, Peter tells Jesus he is the son of the living God. This week Peter tells Jesus God forbid he shall suffer when he hears Jesus predict his death. Jesus who had just given Peter authority in the Church, scolds Peter for his lack of trust. Even someone as important as Peter needs to be corrected. Peter would learn that if he wanted to be like Jesus, he would have to trust Jesus, pick up his cross, and follow him.
Jesus never said it would be easy to follow him. Sometimes it is easy to be a disciple of Jesus. Other times it is difficult to follow Jesus. During difficult times we need to trust Jesus. Faithful disciples are called to sacrifice and serve others as Jesus did.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
Have you ever behaved like Peter and been an obstacle to others in their following Jesus? How does God use others to correct you or teach you?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us to think of others before ourselves. With God’s love, let our little crosses of each day be offered up to you for the love of others. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
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Read more: God Forbid! Cycle A / ¡Dios No Lo Quiera! Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
4/14/24 - What does the Resurrection mean for us? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
Happy Easter!
On this Third Sunday of Easter, we hear in Luke’s Gospel how Jesus again appears to his disciples. They are afraid, and he greets them “Peace be with you.” He asks them to touch his wounds and give him something to eat. Jesus is risen and still has his human body. He is Risen and is fully human and fully divine. After they ate, Jesus gives the disciples a mission, to tell others about his Life, Death, and Resurrection and His message of God’s love and forgiveness.
As disciples of Jesus, we also are invited to eat at his table and receive the Eucharist, share scriptures, and announce the Good News of Jesus’ message of God’s love and forgiveness of sins. We are to be witnesses of what we have experienced with him.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can I be a witness of God’s love to others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us bring the Good News of your Resurrection to our family, friends, and neighbors. 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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Read more: What is a Prophet? Cycle B / ¿Que es un Profeta? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
3/24/24 - Palm Sunday and the Passion
Dear Families,
This week is Palm/Passion Sunday. When we participate in the reading of the Passion, it is hard to say the words, “Crucify him.” It reminds us that we all choose to sin and that Jesus loves us anyway. He loves us so much that he died and rose for us and our salvation.
In Church focus on the Passion of Jesus during the Mass. Follow along carefully and say the crowd responses strongly. Consider what it would have been like to be there when Jesus was crucified.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you gone along with the crowd, even when you knew it was not the right thing to do?
Family Prayer: Jesus, we want to choose you. Show us how to do what is right, even when others want us to do what is wrong. Amen.
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Read more: Palm Sunday and the Passion / Domingo de Ramos y La Pasión
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/26/21 - Christmas Day and Feast of Holy Family- Cycle C
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, at the age of 12 Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Jewish feast of Passover, an event where family and friends traveled together each year. On their way back home, they realized Jesus was not with them. They were worried when they could not find Jesus with any of their families or friends. They finally found Jesus when they went back to the Temple. When they found him and they told him how concerned and anxious they were, Jesus asked them why were they concerned since he was in his Father’s house, but he was obedient and returned with them to Nazareth.
As a family watch Merry Christmas video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How can Jesus be born into your heart this Christmas? What can you do to show your family that you love them?
Family Prayer: Lord, help our family to seek and see you as we celebrate Jesus’ coming this Christmas.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/19/23 - Love Your Enemies - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount we have been hearing the last several weeks, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for them. By enemies, Jesus means people who don’t love us, who possibly hate us, hurt us, and who probably won’t love us back even though we love them.
Loving our enemies is hard. Jesus knows we are human and not perfect, but he asks us to treat others as we ourselves want to be treated. He teaches us to have mercy for others as he has mercy for us. As Jesus explained, if you love only those who love you, what is so special about that?
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What is a loving way to respond to someone who upsets you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to remember to love everyone as you do. Help us to stay calm when we are upset and to be kind when we are angry. Amen.
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Read more: Love Your Enemies Cycle A / Ama A Tus Enemigos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/20/24 - Power and Honor? - Cycle B
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Mark, James and John ask to be given seats of honor when Jesus enters his glory. They want to share in Jesus’ glory but do not understand that his glory will come after his suffering. Jesus knowing that they don’t know what they are asking, asks them if they are willing to endure suffering like he will. He tells them that the honor they request are not his to give but for those for whom it has been prepared. The others hearing their request are annoyed and Jesus takes this opportunity to teach them that those who wish to be great must be the servant of all.
Jesus reminds us he came to serve, not to be served. He gave his life as a sacrifice to save us. Jesus teaches us that those that wish to be first in God’s kingdom must be the servants of others.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what ways can you serve Jesus by serving others?
Family Prayer: Lord, open our eyes to see the needs of others and grow in our desire to serve them. Amen.
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Read more: Power and Honor? Cycle B / ¿Poder y Honor? Ciclo B
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
2/12/23 - Jesus Teaches God's Law - Cycle A
Dear Families,
Jesus continues with his Sermon on the Mount in this Sunday’s Gospel. Jesus shares the difference between the law of Moses (The Ten Commandments) and his new law of love. He said that he didn’t come to take away the law. He came to fulfill the law. Jesus says that the Ten Commandments are very important, but we must act from a place of love, not just obedience.
One of the Ten Commandments is “you shall not kill”. Jesus teaches that to obey this Commandment is not enough. Not only don’t kill, but don’t be violent. Not only don’t be violent, but don’t even think violent thoughts against one another.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What is Jesus’ attitude toward the Ten Commandments?
Family Prayer: Thank you, Jesus for giving us rules to guide us. Help us to follow them as you want us to. Amen.
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Read more: Jesus Teaches God's Law Cycle A / Jesús Enseña La Ley de Dios Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/15/23 - Lamb of God - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, when Jesus came to the Jordan River to be baptized, John the Baptist points to Jesus and testifies that he is the Lamb of God, who will take away the sins of the world, the son of God, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist knew his mission. He prepared the way for Jesus by asking people to repent of their sins, and pointing towards Jesus. He knew that Jesus is the Lamb of God. As John preached, we should repent of our sins, and like him we also need to show others the way to Jesus.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
As a disciple of Christ, what do you think is your mission in life?
Family Prayer: Lord, help us live our baptismal call with love and service to one another. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
1/8/23 - Epiphany of the Lord
Dear Families,
This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The Gospel tells us about the Magi. They were three wise men from the East that had seen a special star rising up in the sky and traveled to Jerusalem. They asked to meet with King Herod and asked him where was the child who had been born King of the Jews because they wanted to do him homage. Herod was very upset with this question. He was already the King of the Jews. He was upset someone would take away his power. Herod asked the Magi to let him know when they found him because he too wanted to do homage. But secretly he wished to learn his whereabouts so he could kill him.
The Magi followed the star to Bethlehem until it stopped over the place where the Child Jesus was. They bowed to the ground and did homage, and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. During the night they had a dream telling them not to go back to Herod, so they went back to their country taking another road.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What gift can you give Jesus that shows your love for God and others?
Family Prayer: Lord, like the Magi help us to seek and worship you as our King. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
12/19/21 - Fourth Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
Dear Families,
On this fourth Sunday of advent, our Gospel reading recalls Mary’s actions after the announcement by the Angel Gabriel of Jesus birth and her cousin Elizabeth’s pregnancy. Mary immediately decides to visit her cousin Elizabeth. When Elizabeth hears Mary’s greeting, the baby (John the Baptist) leaped with joy in her womb. She was filled with the Holy Spirit and Elizabeth gives us the words that are central to the Hail Mary “Blessed is the fruit of your womb.” The mystery of the Incarnation, God taking on human flesh by the Virgin Mary. Both Mary and Elizabeth show how to trust God’s word that Mary would become the mother of Jesus and rejoiced in God’s blessings.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what way can you imitate Mary and help bring Jesus to others?
Family Prayer: Jesus, teach us to love your mother, Mary, like you do. Amen.
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Read more: Fourth Sunday of Advent Year C / Cuarto Domingo de Adviento Ciclo C
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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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