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Dear Families,
Praying for you. This Sunday, we are reminded that Jesus is gentle and humble of heart.
In the First reading the Prophet Zechariah’s message is that our King would come as a savior, not a ruler. Our Responsorial Psalm is a prayer of praise to God our King. St. Paul in the second reading tells us that when we find rest in Jesus, we are not in the flesh but live in the Spirit. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus offers a prayer of thanksgiving to the Father for the things he reveals to his little ones. He also tells us “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give your rest”.
Jesus knows all our weakness and that at times the little strength we have can fail us. Jesus is inviting us to go to him with a humble heart and tell Him all our problems, because it is only in Jesus that we can find rest.
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
May the peace of the Lord be always with you.
This Sunday Jesus tells us a parable. Parables are stories that teach a lesson. He speaks about a sower, a person who plants seeds. This sower throws seeds all over and they land on paths, in rocks and thorn bushes, and on good soil. Jesus teaches that the kingdom of heaven is like seed that has been planted on good soil.
As a family, watch video in its entirety, then ask each other. What type of soil do you think your faith is growing in? Do you need to change it? If so, how might you?
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel, Jesus says Heaven is like a rare pearl and so precious we would want to give up everything to have it!
This parable also helps us to realize that to God, we are that pearl. Jesus gave up his very life because he thinks we are precious too.
As a family watch video in its entirety.
The goal of family life is to help each other get to Heaven.
How can you help your family get to Heaven?
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus taught thousands of people about living a holy life, and then he fed them by a miracle of multiplying five loaves and two fishes.
Jesus still wants to feed us both spiritually and physically. At Mass he comes to us in the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Jesus shares himself with us through the Gospel and then in the Eucharist.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can you recognize the needs of others, whether they are spiritual, emotional or physical?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, help us to notice when others need our help, whether it is with their spiritual, emotional, or physical needs. Amen
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The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Cycle A / Parábola de los Trabajadores de la Viña Ciclo A
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9/24/23 - The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a story of a vineyard owner who went out at different times to find men to work. At the end of the day, he gave each man a whole day’s wages, even though some worked all day and some only worked one hour. He started paying the workers that started working late first and the ones that came in first last. The ones who worked all day complained and were not happy because they all received the same wages. This story is not about wages or fairness.
Jesus is teaching us about God’s love and generosity. It can feel unfair when someone gets paid when they did not work as hard as you did. Jesus says, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Some people spend their whole lives working for God, and some people only turn to Him at the last minute. He teaches us that there is room for everyone in his Church and in Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What is a family activity in which each member does his or her part? When did you want to be first, but did not get to be? Name something positive about putting others first?
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to put others first. Remind us that you love all of us and you want us to love each other. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus calms the storm surrounding the Apostles. Jesus also calms the storms in our lives.
Jesus reminds us that we must trust in him even when things look scary, because he is always in control.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
In what area of your life do you need to trust Jesus more?
Family Prayer: Lord, we all experience storms in life. Help us to trust you even when life seems difficult. Amen
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Queridas familias,
En el Evangelio de este domingo, Jesús calma la tormenta frente a los apóstoles. Jesús también calma las tormentas en nuestras vidas.
Jesús nos recuerda que debemos confiar en el aun cuando las cosas parezcan turbulentas, porque El siempre tiene el control.
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel is often misunderstood. Jesus is not saying the woman is a dog. He is trying to explain that she is not a person who was raised in faith
and yet she shows great faith. To some, she was invisible. The woman is persistent and faithful, two things we are reminded to be.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Who is invisible to you? Who do you ignore? Why do you choose to do this?
Family Prayer: Jesus, sometimes it can feel as though you cannot hear us. Help us to keep asking for help and to be patient,
waiting with trust, knowing you will answer our prayers at the right time. Amen
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/1/23 - The Parable of the Two Sons - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells a parable (story) of two sons whose father asked them to help in the vineyard. The first son said no to his father and then changed his mind and helped. The second son said yes, he would help but he did not. Both sons were asked to help. The difference between the two sons is that the first son that said no disobeyed with his words but obeyed with his action. The second son said yes with his words but disobeyed with his action.
There are times when we are asked to do something and say yes and plan not to do it. Other times we might say no and then realize we need to do it. Jesus teaches us that our actions are as important as our words. When we go to Mass each Sunday, we learn God’s love for us and how to love one another. It is important that our actions match what we learn and say at each Mass and live God’s love through our words and actions in our world.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What makes you say no instead of yes when you are asked to do something? What do you say yes to and do?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to hear what you want us to know and to say yes to you. Amen.
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Read more: The Parable of the Two Sons Cycle A / Parábola de los Dos Hijos Ciclo A
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10/8/23 - Bad Tenants and Wild Grapes - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells the chief priests and elders a parable about a man who plants a vineyard, and then leased it to tenants. When the owner’s servants go to collect the produce from the tenants, they rebel and kill the servants. Then he sends his son, and they killed him also. The tenants thought they would be able to take the vineyard if the son was dead. When he finishes the parable, he questions the chief priests and elders. He asks, what would they do? And they answered that they would kill the wicked tenants. Jesus is speaking about the failure of Jesus’ own people not accepting him. When God sent His Son Jesus, the leaders were like the tenants. They did not listen or respect him. They killed Jesus on the cross.
Jesus’ parable teaches us to be part of God’s vineyard, the Church. Jesus is asking us to make good choices. Not to be like the bad tenants who were selfish. He is calling us to be a part of God’s kingdom. To be a part of God’s kingdom we need to love, not be selfish, listen to Jesus’ teachings, and be responsible to what we say we will do.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
How is God like the owner of the vineyard? How are you responsible at school, home, church, and with other people?
Family Prayer: God our creator, thank you for making us and sharing your wonderful world with us. Amen.
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Read more: Bad Tenants and Wild Grapes Cycle A / Malos Viñadores y Uvas Agrias Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This Sunday’s Gospel is very important to Catholics because it describes when Jesus gave his Church the papacy (pope).
Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter and gave Peter the ability to bind or forgive sins
(the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation).
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why do you think the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift Jesus gave us?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to always run towards you and change anything that
keeps us from you. Amen
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tries to explain that he will die and rise again three days later. This frightens the Apostles.
Peter doesn’t want Jesus to say these things. Jesus (who just gave Peter authority in the Church) scolds Peter for his lack of trust.
Even someone as important as Peter needs correction at times.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How does God use others to correct you or teach you?
Family Prayer: Jesus, you always know the right path for us.
Help us to trust that you will help us find our way. Amen
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
10/15/23 - The Parable of the Wedding Banquet - Cycle A
Dear Families,
If you were invited to a party, would you go? In today’s Gospel of Matthew, guests who were invited to the son of the king's wedding did not come, so the host invited strangers. Every Sunday, we are invited to come to God’s house. Sometimes we may not feel like going or we are too busy, but the feast is ready and God is waiting eagerly for our arrival.
Jesus tells this parable to teach us about being invited to the greatest celebration of all, the gift of the Holy Eucharist at Mass. Some people accept his invitation and some people don’t. When we don’t attend Mass, we are saying no to his invitation to the Kingdom of Heaven.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why is Sunday Mass such an important and special celebration?
Family Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending us an invitation to be a part of your family and come to your celebration every Sunday. Amen.
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Read more: The Parable of the Wedding Banquet Cycle A / La Parábola del Banquete Nupcial Ciclo A
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10/22/23 - God and Caesar - Cycle A
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, some religious leaders want to trap Jesus into taking sides on the question of paying Roman taxes. They believe that accepting Roman rule in their country means they are not loyal to God and his rules. Jesus tells them to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. Jesus calls them and us to obey both civil and religious laws, however, we need to examine our allegiances when the two conflict.
We have God’s laws and government laws. Both are for our own good. But we need to remember that what is most important is to love and honor God first.
As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What allegiance do we owe to God? What allegiance to Caesar?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to always remember to keep God first in our lives. Amen.
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
This week’s Gospel teaches us we belong to God. He created us and loves us. When Jesus tells us to give “to God what belongs to God,” he reminds us that we are God’s children! We should give ourselves completely to Jesus and do what he wants us to do.
As a family watch video in its entirety than ask each other this question. How do you show God that you belong to him?
Family Prayer: Jesus, help us to see you in everyone we meet! Amen
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(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
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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Read more: The Greatest Commandment Cycle A / Los Mandamientos Mas Importantes Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
In this Sunday’s Gospel we learn that it is not always easy to forgive someone who hurts you.
Jesus tells us that we must forgive, just as God the Father forgives us.
When we hurt someone, we should ask for forgiveness right away.
When someone asks for our forgiveness, we should answer:
“I forgive you” and not say “It’s okay”.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
Why is it better to say: “I forgive you,” than “it’s okay,” when someone asks for forgiveness?
Family Prayer: Help us Lord, to offer and ask for forgiveness when we have hurt each other. Amen
(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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Read more: The Wise and Foolish Virgins Parable Cycle A / Parábalo de las Diez Virgenes Ciclo A
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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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Read more: The Parable of the Talents Cycle A / La Parábola de los Talentos Ciclo A
(La versión en español sigue al inglés)
Dear Families,
Did your brother or sister ever get allowance when they did not do their chores?
It can feel unfair when someone gets paid when they did not work as hard as you did.
Jesus says, “The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Jesus is generous.
He reminds us there is room for everyone in his Church and in Heaven.
As a family, watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When did you want to be first, but did not get to be?
Name something positive about being last or putting others first.
Family Prayer: Dear Jesus, show us how to put others first. Remind us that you love
all of us and you want us to love each other. Amen
(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.
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Read more: Solemnity of Christ the King Cycle A / Soleminidad de Cristo Rey Ciclo A
