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1/7/24 - The Magi

Dear Families,

Merry Christmas!  In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany.  We learn how the Magi were not members of the Jewish people.  The Magi came from far away because they had seen a star appear in the sky and understood that a king had been born and traveled to Jerusalem.  When they arrived in Jerusalem, they first met with the king of Jerusalem.  King Herod was rich, had servants, was a powerful leader and everyone did what he commanded.  But the Magi understood that this was not the king they were seeking.  So, they continued their journey and followed the star to Bethlehem.  They found the new king not in a palace or rich.  The Magi found a baby with his mother and understood that this was the true king.  They knelt and they offered him their best gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 

In many cultures, gifts are not exchanged at Christmas, but on the feast of the Epiphany.  The Magi teach us that Jesus is here for all of us and to seek him.  Let’s celebrate the feast of the Epiphany and bring to Jesus the gift of the best version of ourselves that God created us to be and to serve him.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What can the Magi teach us about seeking Jesus?  What gifts do you bring to Jesus?

 

Family Prayer:  Lord, your kingly power, announced by a star, shines brightly.  May our hearts be opened to seek you and serve you completely.  Amen.

 

 

The Magi 2024 En

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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.

 

 

ToHimYouShallListen 2024 En

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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.

 

 

WhatisaProphet En

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2/25/24 - Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus Transfigured - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Second Sunday of Lent, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a mountain and they witness Jesus’ Transfiguration.  His clothes became dazzling white and then Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus.  Peter, James, and John were amazed and afraid.  Then a cloud came and made a shadow over them.  A voice spoke from the cloud and said “This is my beloved Son.  Listen to him”.  They wonder what all this means.  Coming down the mountain Jesus told Peter, James, and John not to tell anyone what happened until after He rose from the dead.

 

The Transfiguration remind us that even though Jesus suffered and died on the Cross, he rose in glory and gave us the opportunity for a new life forever in Heaven.  It helps us understand that hard times will come and we need to think about Jesus because he understands our pain and suffering.  There is a better life waiting for us when we are faithful.  Each Lent gives us the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus, and become the person God created us to be for His glory.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other these questions.
What are some ways you can listen to Jesus?  How will you listen to Jesus to change and grow during Lent?

 

Family Prayer:  Jesus, show us the way to God the Father.  Helps us listen so that we can hear you and follow you.  Amen.

 

 

AbrahamIsaacJesus Transfigured2024 En

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1/14/24 - Christ is Calling - Cycle B

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of John, we hear how John the Baptist points to Jesus and tells two of his disciples “Behold, this is the Lamb of God.”  They heard what John said and follow Jesus who asks them “What are you looking for.”  They don’t answer the question but ask him “Where are you staying” and he answers “Come, and you will see”.  Andrew who had been one of the disciples who had followed Jesus, tells his brother Simon they have found the Messiah, and brings him to Jesus.

 

Jesus calls each one of us to come and see who he is.  We get to know Jesus by developing a relationship with him.  Like Andrew when we have experienced Jesus in our lives, we want to share this encounter with our family and friends.

 

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How would you answer if Jesus asked you “What are you looking for?”

 

Family Prayer:  Dear Lord, open our hearts to see you in our lives.  Amen.

 

 

ChristisCalling 2024 En

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