Services

8/6/23 - The Transfiguration - Cycle A

Dear Families,

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. In the Gospel of Matthew, 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 on the Transfiguration, and then ask each other this question.
What are some of the things affirmed about Jesus in the Transfiguration?

Family Prayer: God, we know that Jesus is your beloved Son. Help us to listen to him. Amen.

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(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.

Click Photo

(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.

Click Photo

(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.

Click Photo

(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.