Read Sunday’s Gospel, John 20:19-31.
Gospel Summary
Following Jesus’ crucifixion the disciples were still uncertain of his message. They lost hope, were filled with fear, and locked themselves in a room. Without entering through the door, Jesus appeared before them with a greeting of peace and a mission to spread the Good News. The disciple, Thomas, was not in the room. When he learned of Jesus’ visit, he would not believe it. But about a week later, Jesus appeared in a similar way and Thomas was with the others. Jesus invited Thomas to touch the wounds in his hands and side. Thomas knew immediately that it was Jesus and believed in him.
Reflection for Families
Parents are often the source of hope and encouragement for their children. When a child falls repeatedly while learning to walk or ride a bike, it is a parent who coaxes, encourages, and praises the child. Parents provide hope and comfort when a child falls short of a goal whether in academics, relationships, sports, or the arts. Parents can relate to the role of Jesus with his disciples. They were frightened and discouraged but they found hope and relief with the peace and presence of Jesus.
Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Using the newspaper, news broadcast, or situations you know about, share ideas about people in the world or your community who might be discouraged. Suggest ways either in prayer or by action that your family might bring hope to these people.
Discussion Starters
- I remember once I was really discouraged but I found peace when . . .
- I was a source of peace for someone when . . .
- I can relate to the “doubting” Thomas, but I have learned . . .
April 14, 2013
Read Sunday’s Gospel, John 21:1-19.
Gospel Summary
For the third time since his resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples. It seems that the disciples had returned to their former lives—those they had lived before they left to follow Jesus—because they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee. Jesus stood on the shore and called out to the men in the boat asking if they had caught anything. The disciples replied that they had caught nothing. Jesus then instructed them to cast their net on the right side of the boat. When they did, they had a huge catch of 153 fish. They knew from this sign that it was Jesus on the shore. When they came ashore, Jesus cooked their breakfast of fish. When they finished eating, Jesus asked Peter three times if Peter loved him. This was a great example of reconciliation because the opportunities for Peter to affirm his love of Jesus matched the same number of times he denied knowing him. It was then that Jesus commissioned Peter to care for the sheep in Jesus’ flock.
Reflection for Families
As parents we know a great deal about caring for sheep in the flock. We work long, hard, and diligently to make sure that our children receive the physical, emotional, and spiritual care they require. We are challenged by this Gospel reading to move outside our immediate “flock” and care for all of God’s children. Our own children will learn the essence of this Gospel when they see us reconcile with others and go outside our small worlds to help others.
Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Jesus invites us to follow him in the ordinary ways of our lives. An example of following Jesus can be seen in the reconciliation that transpired between Jesus and Peter. Out of paper, cut out some fish. On each paper fish invite every family member to put the name of someone they might need to reconcile with during this Easter season. You might even help one another decide on what action you will take.
Discussion Starters
- One time when Jesus “filled my net” was when . . .
- When Jesus asks me, “Do you love me?” I show my love by . . .
- I help take care of Jesus’ sheep by . . .
April 21, 2013
Read Sunday’s Gospel, John 10:27-30.
Gospel Summary
There are two notions that need to be taken on faith as they are presented in the Gospel passage where Jesus identifies himself as the Good Shepherd. The first mystery is that those who are given the gift of faith to hear the invitation Jesus presents, will follow him. The second mystery involves the unbreakable bond that exists between the Shepherd and the person who hears the invitation. Once a person responds to the invitation, he or she belongs to God forever.
Reflection for Families
Our culture has changed since the days of our parents and grandparents when just about anyone dropped in at any time. We now call ahead and make arrangements for our children to visit friends. In comparing our own day to 50 years ago, we begin to really appreciate the invitation of Jesus to follow him, just as we are, anytime of the day or night. Where would we be if we had to call ahead to see if Jesus was available?
Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Reach out to a family in your neighborhood this week by inviting them over for some “informal” fun and food. Dig out board games and snacks as you welcome them spontaneously. Keep in mind that this is how Jesus reaches out to us and let your neighbors experience God’s love through your hospitality.
Discussion Starters
- I have a real feeling of belonging to . . .
- I felt Jesus inviting me to follow him this week when . . .
- Today I hear Jesus’ voice in . . .
April 28, 2013
Read Sunday’s Gospel, John 13:31a-33a, 34-35.
Gospel Summary
While Jesus was with his disciples at the Last Supper, he pointed toward his future glory following his death and resurrection where he would be reunited with his Father in heaven. He also gave the disciples a command: to love one another. But the disciples didn’t have to figure out how to do this on their own. Jesus told them to love one another in the same way he had loved them.
Reflection for Families
Jesus wanted the disciples to love one another and all followers with a binding love. It is this same kind of love that binds families together. When other people turn their backs and walk away, it is symbolic of Jesus’ love that families are bound by a love incomparable anywhere else in our own experience. We fail at times, but rarely in any other setting do we see anything close to the unconditional love God has for us, as we see in the love parents show their children.
Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Find someone in your neighborhood, school, place of work, or within your family who sometimes feels left out. Reach out to that person with the kind of love Jesus describes in this Gospel. Make them feel welcome and know they are a child of God. Perhaps you will send them a greeting card, say a special prayer for them, visit them, or invite them to your home. When your action is complete, share with one another where you saw Jesus in the experience you had with the person.
Discussion Starters
- There is someone I’ve been wanting to love as Jesus loves me. To show him/her, this week I will . . .
- What I think Jesus is really asking of me in this Gospel is . . .
- The greatest witness I ever saw to Jesus’ love was when . . .
May
May 5, 2013 Sixth Sunday of Easter
John 14: 23-29
Adults:
What difference has it made in your life when you made a decision in accord with Jesus’ teaching?
Children:
When will you have to make a decision this week? What will help you make a good decision?
May 12, 2013 The Ascension of the Lord
John 17: 20-26
Adult:
Who in your family needs your prayers? How will you use the gift of prayer to help them?
Child:
Who is the wisest person you know/ What has he or she taught you?
May 19, 2013 Pentecost Sunday
John 20: 19-23
Adult:
What gift of service have you received from the Holy Spirit and how well are you using it right now?
Child:
What gift do you hope to receive from the Holy Spirit? How could you use it to serve others?
John 16: 12-15
Adult:
In what difficult situation has the Holy Spirit helped you see most clearly?
Child:
What kind of decision can the Holy Spirit help you with?
June 2, 2013 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Luke 9: 11b-17
Adult:
When have you been most blessed and when have you felt a little “broken” in your service to others?
Child:
Why is it important to keep on giving, even when you are tired?
June 9, 2013 Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 7:11-17
Adults:
What might a greater sense of compassion allow you to do for someone this week?
Child:
When do you try to understand what another person was feeling?
June 16, 2013 Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 7:36-8:3
Adults:
Whom does your Christian faith call you to forgive right now? How hard will this be for you?
Child:
When is it hard for you to forgive someone who has hurt you? What can help you forgive?
Luke 9:18-24
Adult:
Which crosses in your life do you find especially heavy? What or who helps you bear them?
Child:
When you have something hard to do, what or who helps you get through it?
June 30, 2013 Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Luke 9: 51-62
Adults:
When have you faltered or looked back during your journey of faith?
Child:
What can you do to be a stronger follower of Jesus this week?