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7/30/23 - The Kingdom of Heaven is Our Treasure - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this week’s Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom of Heaven.  He says the Kingdom of Heaven is like a buried treasure that a man finds and sells everything he has and buys the field where it is buried.  He also says, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a rare pearl that costs a lot of money, and when a merchant finds it sells all he has and buys it.  These parables can help us realize that Jesus gave up his life because we are his treasure.

Belonging to God’s Kingdom should be more important than anything else in our lives.  The Kingdom of Heaven is our treasure.  Listening to the first reading, like King Solomon, let’s ask God to give us the wisdom to have an understanding heart to know how to serve others, and to distinguish right from wrong.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
How can we as a family help each other enter the Kingdom of Heaven?

Family Prayer:  Jesus, help us never to lose sight that living with you in the Kingdom of Heaven is our real treasure.  Amen.

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Read more: The Kingdom of Heaven is Our Treasure Cycle A / El Reino de los Cielos es Nuestro Tesoro Ciclo A

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4/23/23 - Road to Emmaus - Cycle A

Dear Families,

Happy Easter.  In this Sunday’s Gospel of Luke two of Jesus disciples encounter him on the way to Emmaus.  They do not recognize him and they explain how sad they are because of what happened to Jesus in Jerusalem.  Jesus talks to them about the Scriptures to help them understand God’s plan.  It was late and they invited him to eat dinner with them.  They finally recognize Jesus when he blesses and breaks bread with them, just like he did at the Last Supper.  They are filled with joy and share their experience with others.

Imagine the feelings of the two disciples.  They are leaving Jerusalem are sad, and all their hopes are gone.  However, they are filled with hope and joy when their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus in the blessing and breaking of the bread.  Each Sunday at Mass in the Eucharist we share the breaking of the bread and discover Jesus in our midst.  The Eucharist helps us receive the joy of Jesus presence and fills us with hope.  Like the disciples let’s share his presence and give joy and hope to those we know and meet in our journey of faith.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
When have you recognized that Jesus is with you?

Family Prayer:  Jesus, our hearts are full of love for you.  Help us to notice your presence with us.  Amen.

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Read more: Road to Emmaus Cycle A / El Camino a Emaús Ciclo A

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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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Read more: The Transfiguration Cycle A / La Transfiguración Ciclo A

(La versión en español sigue al inglés)

8/13/23 - Walking on Water! - Cycle A

Dear Families,

In this Sunday’s Gospel of Matthew, we listen to how Jesus walked on water.  Jesus is walking towards his disciples in a storm and they get scared because they think Jesus is a ghost.  Jesus tells them not to be afraid that it was him.  Peter who wanted to follow Jesus asked him to call him to walk on water and he did.  But as soon Peter notices what he was doing, and takes his eyes off Jesus he starts to sink.  Jesus did not let him sink, he took him by the hand and helped him out of the water.

Like Peter when we take our eyes off Jesus our fears and doubts overtake us.  Jesus wants to take us by our hand and help us.  When we pray and have faith in Jesus, he will give us the grace to overcome our doubts and fears.  If you realize you’re having a hard time doing the right thing, pray to Jesus to help you.  Remember to trust Jesus even when things look scary.  Have faith, Jesus loves you and is always in control.

As a family watch video in its entirety and then ask each other this question.
What did Jesus say to Peter about his faith?  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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Read more: Walking on Water! Cycle A / ¡Caminando Sobre el Agua! Ciclo A