Family Bible Study - 6th Sunday of Easter

Gospel Passage
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask
the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. 17 This is
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor
knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. 18 “I
will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. 19 In a little while the world will
no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. 20 On that
day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 They who
have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love
me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”
Questions -

1. Jesus says that if we love him, we will obey His commandments. Do you
folllow his commandments?

2. Jesus says that he and the Father will send the “Spirit of Truth.” What
“Spirit” is he talking about? Be specific. (Hint: Think about Pentecost).

3. Jesus says, “In a little while the world will no longer see me.” What is he
talking about? (Hint: It has something to do with this Thursday).
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Third Sunday of Easter

Luke 24:13 That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from
Jerusalem, 14 and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. 15 While they were
talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept
from recognizing him. 17 And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each
other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. 18 Then one of them, named Cle'opas, answered him,
"Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19 And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a
prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how our chief priests and rulers
delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we had hoped that he was the one to
redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. 22 Moreover, some
women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning 23 and did not find his body;
and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of
those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see."
25 And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" 27 And beginning
with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28
So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, 29 but they
constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to
stay with them. 30 When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it
to them. 31 And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. 32
They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened
to us the scriptures?" 33 And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven
gathered together and those who were with them, 34 who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has
appeared to Simon!" 35 Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in
the breaking of the bread.

Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus first explained the Scriptures to the two men. Does the priest ever
explain things to us at Church? What is the name for this part of the Mass?

2. The men said that their hearts were “burning” when they heard Jesus speak.
Do we listen carefully so that Jesus can set our hearts on fire with love for
him?

3. The disciples saw Jesus in the “breaking of the bread.” Does this remind
you of any part of Mass? Do you see Jesus at that part of the Mass?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - Third Sunday of Easter

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Christ has called us to be his followers and disciples.
He has called us not because He needs us, but because we need
Him. He has prepared for us a heavenly banquet—a feast of joy
and happiness that will last forever. The present Eucharistic
meal is the means He instituted to help us reach the new
Jerusalem which is above. Let us use this means frequently and
fervently; in it we shall, like the two disciples, recognize Him
as our loving, risen Savior and each time we receive Him we
will return full of the glad tidings that Jesus has risen and
conquered death, not only for Himself but for all men of
goodwill.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Family Bible Study - Divine Mercy Sunday

Gospel Passage
John 20:19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut
where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and
said to them, "Peace be with you." 20 When he had said this, he showed them his
hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus
said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send
you." 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them,
"Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you
retain the sins of any, they are retained." 24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called
the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him,
"We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see in his hands the print of
the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side,
I will not believe." 26 Eight days later, his disciples were again in the house, and
Thomas was with them. The doors were shut, but Jesus came and stood among them,
and said, "Peace be with you." 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and
see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side; do not be faithless, but
believing." 28 Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Jesus said to him,
"Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen
and yet believe." 30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples,
which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.
Questions for discussion -
1. One of the first things Jesus did after rising from the dead was to breathe on the
Apostles and give them the power to forgive sins. This is what priests do in the
sacrament of Reconciliation. If this is one of the first things Jesus did after rising from the dead, how important do you think it is to Him?

2. Jesus said to the Apostles, “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” How could they know which sins to retain and which to forgive unless somebody told them in confession? (Do you see why we have to tell the priest our sins?)

3. Jesus said to “doubting” Thomas, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
believe.” We have not seen Jesus rise from the dead with our own eyes. How can we be
blessed too?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - Divine Mercy Sunday

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
OR DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY
We can look at Thomas as the “doubting Thomas” or
we can look at him as one who really wanted to see and
experience the Risen Lord. Thomas wanted the same
experience as the other Apostles and he wanted to touch the
Lord Jesus in order that he could know that Jesus was really
alive. We need to have that same desire to see Jesus and know
that He is risen and is in our lives.
The early Christians joined together in prayer and the
Lord revealed Himself to them in their community prayer life.
As we gather in prayer during the celebration of the Eucharist,
we can expect that the Lord will reveal Himself to us. As we
share our time, talent, and treasure with one another, as the
early Christians did, the Lord will be with us also.
It is the ninth day since Good Friday when Jesus died
for our sins. It is Divine Mercy Sunday. Accept the ocean of
mercy that Jesus has for us.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Sunday Gospel Message - EASTER: THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD

EASTER: THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
A Happy and Blessed Easter to all from the leadership
and staff of Holy Name of Jesus! May the Risen Lord fill each
and every one of you and your loved ones with hope, joy, and
peace! The Lord is risen and is with us, Alleluia!
We would like to take this opportunity to express the
appreciation of all the parishioners of Holy Name of Jesus to
all those who cleaned the church, to those who assisted in
the Holy Week ceremonies, and to those who so beautifully
decorated the church for this Easter season. The beauty of
the liturgies and the decoration of the church help us to build
up our faith. Thank you to all who worship with us and aid
in our Spirit-filled liturgies.
Jesus is risen and is with us! This Easter event gave
hope to the early disciples who had witnessed the death of
Jesus. By His resurrection, Jesus proved that what He had
promised would be fulfilled. We celebrate the most
important feast of the year because Easter gives us the
promise of eternal life with Jesus. As He died and rose, so
we die and rise to share His glory.
Our baptism reminds us that Jesus gave us new life
and asks us to follow in His footsteps. Today we renew our
baptismal promises and profess that Jesus is our Lord and
Savior. During this Easter season we will have the rite of
sprinkling at each weekend Mass to remind us of the new
life given us through baptism and through the resurrection of
Jesus. Have a wonderful Easter season!
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Family Bible Study - Easter Sunday!

Gospel Passage
Matt. 28:1 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary
Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a
great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled
back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing
white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But
the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus
who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the
place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from
the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This
is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and
ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they
came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them,
“Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”
Questions for discussion -

1. Today we celebrate that Jesus was raised from the dead three days after he
was killed by Crucifixion, just as he had promised. This is the most important
thing that ever happened in the history of the world. How does the risen Jesus
help you in your daily life?

2. Mary Magdalene and Mary, the Mother of James, went to the tomb “looking
for Jesus.” Where do you go to look for Jesus? How hard do you look for him?

3. The women left the tomb “with fear and great joy.” What do you think made
them so happy? What do you think had made them afraid?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Family Bible Study - Good Friday

Gospel Passage
(Abridged) John 19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and scourged him. 2 And the soldiers plaited a
crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and arrayed him in a purple robe; 3 they came up to
him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 5 So Jesus came out,
wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6
When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!”
Pilate said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with
him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered,
“We have no king but Caesar.” 16 Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. 17 So they
took Jesus, and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called the place of a skull, which
is called in Hebrew Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on
either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote a title and put it on the cross; it read,
“Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus they took
his garments and made four parts, one for each soldier; also his tunic. 25 So the soldiers did
this. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of
Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved
standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the
disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. 28
After this Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfil the scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A
bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop and held it to
his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished”; and he bowed his
head and gave up his spirit.
Questions for discussion -

1. Why do you think we call the day Jesus was killed “Good” Friday?

2. On Good Friday, the mob chose Barabbas, a thief and a murderer, over
Jesus. What happens whenever we sin?

3. At the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to St. John as his mother and St. John as a son
to Mary, and St. John tells us that he took her into his home (meaning his life).
Have you taken Mary, Jesus’ mother, into your life like St. John did? Do you
see that the secret to remaining faithful to Jesus even when we look at the
suffering of someone we love is staying close to Mary at the foot of the Cross?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Gospel Passage
Matt. 21:1 And when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the
Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, "Go into the village
opposite you, and immediately you will find an ass tied, and a colt with her; untie
them and bring them to me. 3 If any one says anything to you, you shall say, `The
Lord has need of them,' and he will send them immediately." 4 This took place to
fulfil what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, Behold,
your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on an donkey, and on a colt, the
foal of an donkey." 6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; 7 they
brought the donkey and the colt, and put their garments on them, and he sat thereon.
8 Most of the crowd spread their garments on the road, and others cut branches from
the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and
that followed him shouted, "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in
the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" 10 And when he entered Jerusalem,
all the city was stirred, saying, "Who is this?" 11 And the crowds said, "This is the
prophet Jesus from Nazareth of Galilee."

Questions for discussion -
1. This reading is from the first of two Gospels on Palm Sunday.
What do you think we call today Palm Sunday? Do you see any clues in the
reading?

2. The people in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus by shouting, “Blessed is he who
comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” When do say those
words during Mass?

used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - 5th Sunday of Lent

"Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." Jesus did not deny the Scribes and Pharisees the right to carry out the prescription of the Law, but He insisted on one condition, namely, that they have no sin on their consciences. When Jesus and the woman were left alone, He looked up and said, "Woman, where are they?" Ironically, the self-righteous observers of the Law, so eager to throw stones, could not measure up to the requirement that Jesus had laid down. Previously called "Passion Sunday", this Sunday marks the beginning of Passiontide, a deeper time of Lent. This is the third Sunday of the scrutinies for the preparation of adult converts, and the final Sunday of Lent before the beginning of Holy Week. The Liturgy of the Word of this day speaks of recreation, resurrection, and new life.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Family Bible Study - 5th Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
John 11:1 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was
Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.
3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill." 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, "This
illness is not unto death; it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by means of it." 5
Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that he was ill, he stayed two days
longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, "Let us go into Judea again." 17
Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 20 When Martha
heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary sat in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus,
"Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And even now I know that whatever you
ask from God, God will give you." 23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." 24 Martha said to him,
"I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection
and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and whoever lives and believes in me
shall never die. Do you believe this?" 27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son
of God, he who is coming into the world." 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her
also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled; 34 and he said, "Where have you laid him?" They
said to him, "Lord, come and see." 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" 37 But some
of them said, "Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?" 38 Then
Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb; it was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. 39 Jesus said, "Take
away the stone." Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, "Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for
he has been dead four days." 40 Jesus said to her, "Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see
the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, "Father, I thank thee
that thou hast heard me. 42 I knew that thou hearest me always, but I have said this on account of the people
standing by, that they may believe that thou didst send me." 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud
voice, "Lazarus, come out." 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with bandages, and his face
wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Unbind him, and let him go." 45 Many of the Jews therefore, who
had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him.

Questions for discussion:
1. Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, who was already dead four days and in the tomb. Is there anything that Jesus cannot do?

2. Jesus says “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, even though he die, shall live.” What does he mean?

3. Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus. He also loves you. Do you know and feel
this love? How does he show you this love?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - 4th Sunday of Lent

The fourth Sunday of Lent is rather unique; like the 3rd Sunday of Advent ("Gaudete Sunday"), the fourth Sunday of Lent is a break in an otherwise penitential season. The vestments for this day will be rose, and flowers may adorn the altar. This day is called Laetare Sunday (also "Rose Sunday"), and it takes its name from the opening words of the Mass, the Introit's "Laetare, Jerusalem":
"Rejoice, O Jerusalem: and come together all you that love her. Rejoice with joy, you that have been in sorrow: that you may exult, and be filled from the breasts of your consolation. I rejoiced at the things that were said to me: we shall go into the house of the Lord. Glory be to the Father."
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Family Bible Study - 4th Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
John 9:1 As he passed by, he saw a man blind from his birth. 6 Jesus spat on the
ground and made clay of the spittle and anointed the man's eyes with the clay, 7
saying to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and
washed and came back seeing. 8 The neighbors and those who had seen him before
as a beggar, said, "Is not this the man who used to sit and beg?" 9 Some said, "It is
he"; others said, "No, but he is like him." He said, "I am the man." 3 They brought to
the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day
when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 The Pharisees again asked him
how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put clay on my eyes, and I
washed, and I see." 16 Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he
does not keep the sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such
signs?" There was a division among them. 17 So they again said to the blind man,
"What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a
prophet." 4 They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach
us?" And they cast him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having
found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of man?" 36 He answered, "And who
is he, sir, that I may believe in him?" 37 Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it
is he who speaks to you." 38 He said, "Lord, I believe"; and he worshiped him.

Questions for discussion -

1. Jesus cured a blind man in today’s Gospel. Do you have any “blindness” in
your life that Jesus needs to cure, anything that makes it hard for you to see
Jesus?

2. Jesus could have cured the blind man without using clay and spit. Why do
you think he used them? Is it anything like the sacraments, where Jesus uses
water, oil and things from this world?

3. Jesus cared for the blind man and wants us to do the same. How do you care
for those who are blind, deaf, or have other problems?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - 3rd Sunday of Lent

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
The Israelites grumbles against Moses because they
were thirsty. Jesus gave the Samaritan woman water, and
satisfied the thirst of the people. Jesus, as He hung on the cross,
said: “I thirst.” The Church has looked at these Sacred Scripture
passages as a promise and a fulfillment of the living waters of
Baptism. If we still thirst, then we need to realize what Jesus
has given us at Baptism. He has shared His life with us. Jesus
thirsts for all of us to come and drink of the life that He holds
out to us. He thirsts for each one of us to be one with Him.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Family Bible Study - 3rd Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
John 4:5 So he came to a city of Samar'ia, called Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6
Jacob's well was there, and so Jesus, wearied as he was with his journey, sat down beside the well. It was
about the sixth hour. 7 There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."
8 For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it
that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samar'ia?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. 10
Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, `Give me a drink,' you
would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." 11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you
have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep; where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than
our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, and his sons, and his cattle?" 13 Jesus said
to her, "Every one who drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall
give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to
eternal life." 15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to
draw." 19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this
mountain; and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." 21 Jesus said to her,
"Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the
Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth,
for such the Father seeks to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit
and truth." 25 The woman said to him, "I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ); when he
comes, he will show us all things." 26 Jesus said to her, "I who speak to you am he." 39 Many Samaritans
from that city believed in him because of the woman's testimony, "He told me all that I ever did." 40 So when
the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them; and he stayed there two days. 41 And many
more believed because of his word. 42 They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of your words that
we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."
Questions for discussion -

1. Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that he can give her “living water” that will
be like a spring inside of her leading her to heaven. What do you think is this
water that Jesus is talking about? Do we ever use water in Church? What for?

2. Jesus says in the Gospel, “I who speak to you am He.” What does He mean?
Who is He? And what does that mean?

3. Jesus went to the well because he was “weary” or very tired from his
journey. What does that tell you about Jesus?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - 2nd Sunday of Lent

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT
Christ has asked us to follow him, carrying our daily
cross, and the end of our journey is not Calvary but
resurrection, the entrance to a life of glory with our risen
Savior. The Christian who grasps his cross closely and
willingly, knowing its value for his real life, will find it
becomes lighter and often not a burden. The man who tries to
shuffle off his cross, and who curses and rebels against him
who sent it, will find it doubles its weight and loses all the
value it was intended to have for his true welfare.
Let the thought of the Transfiguration encourage each
one of us today, to do the little God demands of us, so that
when we pass out of this life we may be assured of seeing
Christ in his glory, ready to welcome us into his everlasting,
glorious kingdom.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Family Bible Study - 2nd Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
Matt. 17:1 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John
and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before
them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. 3
Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter
said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three
dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still
speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice
said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6
When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7
But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And
when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. 9 As they were
coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until
after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Questions for discussion -

1. God the Father almost never speaks in the Gospels, but in this story He tells
the three Apostles to “listen to Jesus.” How hard do you try to listen to Jesus
when He speaks each Sunday in the Bible readings at Church?

2. Why do you think Jesus was transfigured (looked different)? Do you think it
has anything to do with His Resurrection (his coming back from the dead)?

3. Who are Moses and Elijah? Why do you think they appeared to speak to
Jesus?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - 1st Sunday of Lent

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
Lent is a time for us to reflect upon what God has done for
us, to pray more often and fervently, and to ask the Lord that
we may have His grace and power to overcome temptation
as He did. Sin always looks inviting or else there would not
be any temptations. The temptations that Jesus faced in the
desert were all enticing, but His response was God’s word.
When we are faced with the allure of sin, we too should
reflect on God’s word for guidance.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence

Family Bible Study - 1st Sunday of Lent

Gospel Passage
Matt. 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by
the devil. 2 And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry.
3 And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these
stones to become loaves of bread." 4 But he answered, "It is written, `Man shall not
live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" 5
Then the devil took him to the holy city, and set him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6
and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, `He
will give his angels charge of you,' and `On their hands they will bear you up, lest
you strike your foot against a stone.'" 7 Jesus said to him, "Again it is written, `You
shall not tempt the Lord your God.'" 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high
mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them; 9
and he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
10 Then Jesus said to him, "Begone, Satan! for it is written, `You shall worship the
Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" 11 Then the devil left him, and
behold, angels came and ministered to him.
Questions for discussion -

1. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. During Lent, Christians fast on Ash
Wednesday and Good Friday. If Jesus fasted, why do you think Christians
fast?
2. Jesus says that “you shall not tempt the Lord your God.” How does someone
tempt God? Why is tempting God wrong?
3. Today’s Gospel talks about the devil, who is a fallen angel. Jesus defeated the
devil by his faithfulness to God his Father in the desert and through His death
and Resurrection. How does the devil try to tempt you and make you do bad
things? How can you get Jesus’ help to defeat the devil?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry

Sunday Gospel Message - 9th Sunday in Ordinary Time

This week begins the very special season of Lent. As we come to receive ashes on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday, we are coming to say to the Lord that we are going to do penance this season. We are promising that we will try to turn away from sin and to be faithful to the Gospel and to all that the Gospel entails. Whatever we decide to do for Lent, it should bring us closer to God. Use the next few days to decide what acts of sacrifice or mortification you will choose. Lent is a season of grace.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence