Gospel Passage
Luke 9:51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to
Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him. On their way they entered a
village of the Samaritans to make ready for him; 53 but they did not receive him,
because his face was set toward Jerusalem. 54 When his disciples James and John
saw it, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven
and consume them?” 55 But he turned and rebuked them. 56 Then they went on to
another village. 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will
follow you wherever you go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and
birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” 59 To
another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60 But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and
proclaim the kingdom of God.” 61 Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me
first say farewell to those at my home.” 62 Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a
hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Questions for discussion -
1. Jesus “set his face to go to Jerusalem.” Jesus was focused on finishing the
task the Father had given him, to die to save us from our sins. What task has
God given you? How focused are you on that task?
2. Jesus met three people who said they wanted to follow Jesus, but all various
types of excuses of why they couldn’t follow him now. What were these three
excuses?
3. What excuses have you or others you know made not to follow Jesus fully?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sunday Gospel Message - Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Jesus reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Him and to move forward with our hearts and our lives in that direction. We cannot follow Him looking through a rear view mirror, but to look forward as He leads and guides us. There are sacrifices, but the rewards are great!
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Friday, June 18, 2010
Family Bible Study - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 9:18 Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near
him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They
answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of
the ancient prophets has arisen.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say
that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” 21 He sternly ordered
and commanded them not to tell anyone, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must
undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and
scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” 23 Then he said to
them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves
and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For those who want to save
their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.
Questions for Discussion -
1. Who do the crowds (people) today — say that Jesus is? Do you wonder if they
listen to Him or even know who He is?
2. Who do you say that Jesus is? Would you say the same thing as St. Peter?
3. Jesus says that to be his follower, we have to do three things: deny
ourselves (think about helping others before we worry about ourselves), take
up our crosses (problems) every day and follow him (obey him). How would
you grade yourself in these three related subjects?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 9:18 Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near
him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19 They
answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of
the ancient prophets has arisen.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say
that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.” 21 He sternly ordered
and commanded them not to tell anyone, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must
undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and
scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” 23 Then he said to
them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves
and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For those who want to save
their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.
Questions for Discussion -
1. Who do the crowds (people) today — say that Jesus is? Do you wonder if they
listen to Him or even know who He is?
2. Who do you say that Jesus is? Would you say the same thing as St. Peter?
3. Jesus says that to be his follower, we have to do three things: deny
ourselves (think about helping others before we worry about ourselves), take
up our crosses (problems) every day and follow him (obey him). How would
you grade yourself in these three related subjects?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Jesus asked the religion question: “Who do the
crowds say that I am?” Then He asked the spiritual
question: “But who do you say that I am?” It is important to
know the religion answer, but it is more important to know
the spiritual answer of who the Lord is in our lives. It is
something that we need always to reflect upon and to see
who Jesus is for us.
Jesus reminds us that the cross is part of our lives as
we follow Him.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Jesus asked the religion question: “Who do the
crowds say that I am?” Then He asked the spiritual
question: “But who do you say that I am?” It is important to
know the religion answer, but it is more important to know
the spiritual answer of who the Lord is in our lives. It is
something that we need always to reflect upon and to see
who Jesus is for us.
Jesus reminds us that the cross is part of our lives as
we follow Him.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Family Bible Study - 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gospel Passage
Luke 7:36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house, and took his
place at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the
Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she
began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed
them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man
were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a
sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “What is
it, Teacher?” 41 “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When
they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one,
I suppose, to whom he forgave more.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the
woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she
has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in
she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with
ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven
little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began
to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has
saved you; go in peace.” 8:1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the
good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of
evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the
wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
Questions for discussion -
1. The roads were dusty and everyone wore sandals. Their feet got very
dirty! Washing someone’s dirty feet was a very kind thing to do. What do
you think the woman was telling Jesus by washing His feet with her tears and
drying them with her hair?
2. Jesus says that the one who has been forgiven more will love more. Do you
think you have been forgiven a lot by Jesus or a little? Does your love for
Him equal how much you’ve been forgiven?
3. At the end of the Gospel, Jesus and His apostles are surrounded
by women who took care of them. What do you think this shows about the
importance of women helping out Jesus and the apostles in the mission of
the Church?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Luke 7:36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house, and took his
place at table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was at table in the
Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she
began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed
them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man
were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a
sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “What is
it, Teacher?” 41 “A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When
they could not pay, he forgave them both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one,
I suppose, to whom he forgave more.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the
woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house, you gave me no water for my feet, but she
has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in
she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with
ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much; but he who is forgiven
little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began
to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has
saved you; go in peace.” 8:1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the
good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of
evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the
wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.
Questions for discussion -
1. The roads were dusty and everyone wore sandals. Their feet got very
dirty! Washing someone’s dirty feet was a very kind thing to do. What do
you think the woman was telling Jesus by washing His feet with her tears and
drying them with her hair?
2. Jesus says that the one who has been forgiven more will love more. Do you
think you have been forgiven a lot by Jesus or a little? Does your love for
Him equal how much you’ve been forgiven?
3. At the end of the Gospel, Jesus and His apostles are surrounded
by women who took care of them. What do you think this shows about the
importance of women helping out Jesus and the apostles in the mission of
the Church?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
There are no sins that the Lord does not want to
forgive. There is no limit to the number of times that we
commit a sin that the Lord does not want to forgive. All
we need to do is to come to the Lord and ask for His
forgiveness. It is ours for the asking. David was told:
“The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin.” Jesus
speaks of the woman: “her many sins have been forgiven
because she has loved much.”
In our parish prayer, we pray: “Touch the hearts
of all to accept Your forgiveness.”
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
There are no sins that the Lord does not want to
forgive. There is no limit to the number of times that we
commit a sin that the Lord does not want to forgive. All
we need to do is to come to the Lord and ask for His
forgiveness. It is ours for the asking. David was told:
“The Lord on his part has forgiven your sin.” Jesus
speaks of the woman: “her many sins have been forgiven
because she has loved much.”
In our parish prayer, we pray: “Touch the hearts
of all to accept Your forgiveness.”
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Sunday Gospel Message - Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)
This is the feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of
Christ (Corpus Christi). When Jesus foretold that He would
give us His Body as food and His Blood as drink, there was no
doubt what He meant. Some complained and said that this
teaching was too much for them and they left Jesus. Jesus did
not water down this teaching. Those who stayed with Him
accepted His teaching even though they did not fully
understand how it would take place. They trusted in the word
of Jesus and it brought them life. At the Last Supper, Jesus
fulfilled that prophecy of giving Himself in the Eucharist.
Jesus invites us to sit at table with Him. At this table,
He gives us His word to nourish our minds and He gives us
Himself to nourish our souls. He invites us to come to Him
either sacramentally in Holy Communion or, if for whatever
reason we cannot, then spiritually by our great desire to be one
with Him. Jesus also wanted to be with us for adoration and so
He is present in all the tabernacles throughout the world.
It is from the altar that Jesus becomes present in His
word and sacrament. It is the altar of sacrifice that makes Jesus
real and present to us, His brothers and sisters.
Jesus fed the crowd with five loaves and two fish. He
now feeds us with His word and sacrament.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Christ (Corpus Christi). When Jesus foretold that He would
give us His Body as food and His Blood as drink, there was no
doubt what He meant. Some complained and said that this
teaching was too much for them and they left Jesus. Jesus did
not water down this teaching. Those who stayed with Him
accepted His teaching even though they did not fully
understand how it would take place. They trusted in the word
of Jesus and it brought them life. At the Last Supper, Jesus
fulfilled that prophecy of giving Himself in the Eucharist.
Jesus invites us to sit at table with Him. At this table,
He gives us His word to nourish our minds and He gives us
Himself to nourish our souls. He invites us to come to Him
either sacramentally in Holy Communion or, if for whatever
reason we cannot, then spiritually by our great desire to be one
with Him. Jesus also wanted to be with us for adoration and so
He is present in all the tabernacles throughout the world.
It is from the altar that Jesus becomes present in His
word and sacrament. It is the altar of sacrifice that makes Jesus
real and present to us, His brothers and sisters.
Jesus fed the crowd with five loaves and two fish. He
now feeds us with His word and sacrament.
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Family Bible Study - Feast of The Most Holy Trinity
Gospel Passage
John 16:12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear
them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the
truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears,
and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me,
because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the
Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and
declare it to you.
Questions for discussion -
1. This weekend is the Feast of the Holy Trinity. What do we mean when we
say the Trinity? (Hint: “tri = 3”)
2. Jesus sent us out to make followers of everyone, helping them to be
baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity and teaching them to do everything
He tells us. How does the Holy Spirit in the Gospel story above, help us to do
this?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
John 16:12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear
them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the
truth; for he will not speak on his own, but will speak whatever he hears,
and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me,
because he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the
Father has is mine. For this reason I said that he will take what is mine and
declare it to you.
Questions for discussion -
1. This weekend is the Feast of the Holy Trinity. What do we mean when we
say the Trinity? (Hint: “tri = 3”)
2. Jesus sent us out to make followers of everyone, helping them to be
baptized in the name of the Holy Trinity and teaching them to do everything
He tells us. How does the Holy Spirit in the Gospel story above, help us to do
this?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Sunday Gospel Message - Feast of The Most Holy Trinity
The doctrine of The Most Holy Trinity is that there are three Persons; The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit who share the One Divine Nature. These three Persons existed from all eternity and are equally to be adored. What it means for us is threefold: 1) we have a Father who adopted us into His family, who calls us His beloved children, and who shares His life with us. 2) we have a big brother, Jesus, who is like us in all things, except sin, who has experienced all that we can experience, and who shows us how to handle everything. 3) we have a Holy Spirit, who enlightens us and strengthens us that we might follow the Lord Jesus and thereby, become holy and share everlasting happiness.
It is more important to experience the Holy Trinity, than to explain it!
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
It is more important to experience the Holy Trinity, than to explain it!
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Friday, May 21, 2010
Family Bible Study - Pentecost Sunday
Scripture Passage
Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2
And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it
filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire,
appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave
them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living
in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because
each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and
astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is
it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes,
Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10
Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and
visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs — in our own
languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
Questions for discussion -
1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles in the
forms of tongues of fire? Why tongues? Why fire? (Hint: think about what we
need the tongue to do and whether fire expresses passion).
2. The Holy Spirit helped the apostles to communicate with people from all
nations and languages. How do you think the Holy Spirit wants to help you
talk to others about Jesus?
3. The apostles were gathered together around Mary praying for the Holy
Spirit to come. How often do you pray with Mary’s help for the Holy Spirit to
come into your life?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2
And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it
filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire,
appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave
them ability. 5 Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living
in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because
each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and
astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is
it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes,
Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10
Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and
visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs — in our own
languages we hear them speaking about God’s deeds of power.”
Questions for discussion -
1. Why do you think the Holy Spirit came down upon the Apostles in the
forms of tongues of fire? Why tongues? Why fire? (Hint: think about what we
need the tongue to do and whether fire expresses passion).
2. The Holy Spirit helped the apostles to communicate with people from all
nations and languages. How do you think the Holy Spirit wants to help you
talk to others about Jesus?
3. The apostles were gathered together around Mary praying for the Holy
Spirit to come. How often do you pray with Mary’s help for the Holy Spirit to
come into your life?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
Here's a craft for Pentecost...
Pentecost Wall Hanging Craft
To do this, you'll need:
White paper
Red Paper
Something to draw with
Cup to trace circle shapes
Scissors
Glue and tape
Stapler
Hole puncher
String or yarn
Here's what to do:
First, draw a dove(Holy Spirit)about the size of a sheet of white paper (8.5" x 11") and cut it out.
Next, Take the cup and trace seven circles on the red paper.
Write the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit on each circle.
Take the hole puncher and put a small hole on the top of each circle and on the bottom of the tail feathers and through the top of the two wings.
Tie the string or yarn from the circles to the tail feathers and through both holes of the wings so you can hang it up for the celebration of Pentecost!
Sunday Gospel Message - Pentecost Sunday
PENTECOST SUNDAY
Today is the feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the
Church. Jesus had spent His life here on earth to establish the
Church and to teach the Apostles who, in turn, would hand on
His teachings to others for all times. Just as the story of the
creation of Adam depicts God breathing “into his nostrils the
breath of life, and so man became a living being,” so the Father
gave the breath of the Holy Spirit through Jesus and, then, the
Holy Spirit gave breath and life to the Church.
The Holy Spirit continues to guide and direct the
Church, which is all of us. The giving of the Holy Spirit
transformed the lives of the early disciples. That same Holy
Spirit has been given as a gift from the Father to us to transform
us also. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and
enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit
and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the
earth.”
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Today is the feast of Pentecost, the birthday of the
Church. Jesus had spent His life here on earth to establish the
Church and to teach the Apostles who, in turn, would hand on
His teachings to others for all times. Just as the story of the
creation of Adam depicts God breathing “into his nostrils the
breath of life, and so man became a living being,” so the Father
gave the breath of the Holy Spirit through Jesus and, then, the
Holy Spirit gave breath and life to the Church.
The Holy Spirit continues to guide and direct the
Church, which is all of us. The giving of the Holy Spirit
transformed the lives of the early disciples. That same Holy
Spirit has been given as a gift from the Father to us to transform
us also. “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and
enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit
and we shall be created and you shall renew the face of the
earth.”
used with permission - Msgr. Bob Lawrence
Friday, May 14, 2010
Family Bible Study - Seventh Sunday of Easter
Gospel Passage
John 17:20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those
who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As
you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the
world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given
me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them
and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may
know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved
me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be
with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you
loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, the
world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have
sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so
that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Questions for discussion -
1. In this prayer from the last Supper, Jesus is praying for all of us who would
hear and believe in the word of God through the work of the apostles. What
two things does Jesus pray for here? (Circle the two correct answers)
a) that we might be good people, liked by all
b) that we may be one, like the Holy Trinity
c) that God may glorify us
d) that we may be where Jesus is, to see his glory
2. Jesus wants us to be so united in love that the world may know that the
Father sent the Son and loves us. How would our love reflect God?
3. Jesus has revealed the Father to us so that we might live in the Father’s love.
How do we remain in the Father’s love?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
John 17:20 “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those
who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one. As
you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the
world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given
me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 23 I in them
and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may
know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved
me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be
with me where I am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you
loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, the
world does not know you, but I know you; and these know that you have
sent me. 26 I made your name known to them, and I will make it known, so
that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
Questions for discussion -
1. In this prayer from the last Supper, Jesus is praying for all of us who would
hear and believe in the word of God through the work of the apostles. What
two things does Jesus pray for here? (Circle the two correct answers)
a) that we might be good people, liked by all
b) that we may be one, like the Holy Trinity
c) that God may glorify us
d) that we may be where Jesus is, to see his glory
2. Jesus wants us to be so united in love that the world may know that the
Father sent the Son and loves us. How would our love reflect God?
3. Jesus has revealed the Father to us so that we might live in the Father’s love.
How do we remain in the Father’s love?
used with permission - Fr. Roger Landry
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