First Sunday of Advent - Be Prepared!
Parent: A reading from the gospel according to Luke (Lk 21:25-28, 34-36)
Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
This beautiful gospel reading is about the second coming of Jesus! He promises that he will come again. He will come down from the heavens upon a cloud, but before this, we will be shown signs of his coming. There are two things that Jesus is asking of us. The first is to not be afraid. People will be scared all around you, but if you keep Jesus in your heart and trust in him, you will not be afraid. The second is to be prepared for the day he comes again. We do not know when that will be. To be prepared is to follow the ways of Jesus, not of the world, and to pray every day for the strength to follow him.
Family Question: What can we do as a family to help each other be prepared for the second coming of Jesus?
Family Activity: We do not know how much time we have on this earth. In gratitude for the gifts that God has given to us in our lives, turn to each member of your family, hug them, and say I love you.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have given us this time of Advent to prepare for your coming. Help us during these four weeks to slow down and enjoy the gift of life. Give our family the strength to make choices that will help us become your disciples so that we may one day enjoy the happiness of heaven with you. Amen.
Jesus said to his disciples: “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.”
The gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
This beautiful gospel reading is about the second coming of Jesus! He promises that he will come again. He will come down from the heavens upon a cloud, but before this, we will be shown signs of his coming. There are two things that Jesus is asking of us. The first is to not be afraid. People will be scared all around you, but if you keep Jesus in your heart and trust in him, you will not be afraid. The second is to be prepared for the day he comes again. We do not know when that will be. To be prepared is to follow the ways of Jesus, not of the world, and to pray every day for the strength to follow him.
Family Question: What can we do as a family to help each other be prepared for the second coming of Jesus?
Family Activity: We do not know how much time we have on this earth. In gratitude for the gifts that God has given to us in our lives, turn to each member of your family, hug them, and say I love you.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, you have given us this time of Advent to prepare for your coming. Help us during these four weeks to slow down and enjoy the gift of life. Give our family the strength to make choices that will help us become your disciples so that we may one day enjoy the happiness of heaven with you. Amen.
First Monday of Advent - Be Prepared!
Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle
Parent: A reading from the gospel according to Matthew (Mt 4:18-22)
As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers,
Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew,
casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.
He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along from there and saw two other brothers,
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John.
They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.
He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him.
The gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
This story is amazing! Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all fishermen. This was their job for they had families to support. Imagine the incredible presence that Jesus must of had. There was certainly something very different about him, something that gave these four men so much peace in their hearts that they were willing to drop everything to follow Jesus. They left their boats, their families, their possessions, and their way of life! They did not know what was going to happen to them or where Jesus would lead them. All they had was trust. Not only a trust for their own lives, but a trust that God would take care of their families as well.
Family Question: Trusting takes great faith. Only when we trust do we find great peace. What worries you? In what area of your life do you need to let go of your worry or a problem and let God take care of it?
Family Activity: Trust is so important within the family. Children trust their parents to take care of them. Parents trust their children to make good decisions when they are apart. Trusting also includes speaking to each other in a kind and respectful manner, without having to raise our voices. So that we do not act on anger, come up with ways to be able to calm down, and then return to have a peaceful conversation.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, we trust in you. Help us to live that trust by placing all of our problems and worries into your hands. Help us to also grow more loving towards each other by always speaking to each other in a calm and peaceful way. We ask this is your name. Amen.
First Tuesday of Advent - Be Prepared!
Parent: A reading from the gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:21-24)
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; no one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus gives praise to God the Father because the Father has "hidden these things from the wise and learned" but he has "revealed them to the childlike." The things Jesus speaks of are the ways to a happy and peaceful life through the love of God. We can have great love, happiness, and peace even when there is great suffering and pain. People who are "wise and learned" think they know the answers to having a great life, but they exclude God. The "childlike" are those people who know that they cannot be happy without God.
Family Question: Share a time when you were happy because you included God in your life. How did you include Him?
Family Activity: When we decide that we cannot be happy without God and we don't make ourselves more important than someone else, we start to see God all around us, and we hear His voice telling us how to live happy lives. This is called humility. Practice humility by kneeling in a circle together as a family as you recite the closing prayer.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to always remain childlike, to know that our happiness depends on you. As we prepare ourselves this Advent season, help us to always be aware of your loving presence and practice humility every day, so that we may be blessed with eyes that see and ears that hear. Amen.
Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; no one knows who the Son is except the Father,
and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus gives praise to God the Father because the Father has "hidden these things from the wise and learned" but he has "revealed them to the childlike." The things Jesus speaks of are the ways to a happy and peaceful life through the love of God. We can have great love, happiness, and peace even when there is great suffering and pain. People who are "wise and learned" think they know the answers to having a great life, but they exclude God. The "childlike" are those people who know that they cannot be happy without God.
Family Question: Share a time when you were happy because you included God in your life. How did you include Him?
Family Activity: When we decide that we cannot be happy without God and we don't make ourselves more important than someone else, we start to see God all around us, and we hear His voice telling us how to live happy lives. This is called humility. Practice humility by kneeling in a circle together as a family as you recite the closing prayer.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to always remain childlike, to know that our happiness depends on you. As we prepare ourselves this Advent season, help us to always be aware of your loving presence and practice humility every day, so that we may be blessed with eyes that see and ears that hear. Amen.
First Wednesday of Advent - Be Prepared!
Parent: A reading from the gospel according to Matthew (Mt 15:29-37)
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking,
and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is concerned with every aspect of our humanity. He nurtures us with his words, with his healing touch, and with food! The miracle of feeding the crowds by multiplying the loaves of bread and fish to nourish their bodies is a foretaste of the miracle of the Eucharist. Jesus is not only concerned with our physical nourishment but also our spiritual nourishment. By receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus is able to perform miracles in our own lives. We are no longer blind because we can see God in all things. We are no longer mute because we can speak the word of God. We are no longer lame because we can walk in the footsteps of Christ. We are made whole because our choices reflect the love of God.
Family Question: What can you do to nourish your spiritual life?
Family Activity: Make an act of Spiritual Communion by reciting the closing prayer frequently throughout the day.
Closing Prayer: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them. The crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the deformed made whole, the lame walking,
and the blind able to see, and they glorified the God of Israel.
Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.” The disciples said to him, “Where could we ever get enough bread in this deserted place to satisfy such a crowd?” Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” “Seven,” they replied, “and a few fish.” He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish,
gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus is concerned with every aspect of our humanity. He nurtures us with his words, with his healing touch, and with food! The miracle of feeding the crowds by multiplying the loaves of bread and fish to nourish their bodies is a foretaste of the miracle of the Eucharist. Jesus is not only concerned with our physical nourishment but also our spiritual nourishment. By receiving the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus is able to perform miracles in our own lives. We are no longer blind because we can see God in all things. We are no longer mute because we can speak the word of God. We are no longer lame because we can walk in the footsteps of Christ. We are made whole because our choices reflect the love of God.
Family Question: What can you do to nourish your spiritual life?
Family Activity: Make an act of Spiritual Communion by reciting the closing prayer frequently throughout the day.
Closing Prayer: My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
First Thursday of Advent - Be Prepared!
Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, Priest
Parent: A reading from the gospel according to Matthew (Mt 7:21, 24-27)
Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus says that it is not enough to just listen to his word. Without action, the words of Christ go in one ear and out the other. By listening to the word of God and practicing what we hear, our lives will become stronger like that of the house set solidly on rock.
Family Question: Can you name a time that you put into practice something that Jesus taught you? Share it.
Family Activity: Recommit yourselves to setting aside time every day for Advent prayer. If it has been a struggle, or if you have had a hard time remembering, mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Prayer and fellowship within the family will begin to grow, and Christmas day will be all the more joyous!
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, as a family, we commit ourselves to daily prayer. Our desire is to become closer to you and act on your word. Guide us on our journey, and help us to do the will of your Father in heaven. Amen.
***********************************
St. Francis Xavier acted on the Word of God. He tirelessly worked to spread the Good News of Jesus to all parts of Asia. He converted and baptized more than 50,000 people before his death in 1552. St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!
Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.
The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus says that it is not enough to just listen to his word. Without action, the words of Christ go in one ear and out the other. By listening to the word of God and practicing what we hear, our lives will become stronger like that of the house set solidly on rock.
Family Question: Can you name a time that you put into practice something that Jesus taught you? Share it.
Family Activity: Recommit yourselves to setting aside time every day for Advent prayer. If it has been a struggle, or if you have had a hard time remembering, mark your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. Prayer and fellowship within the family will begin to grow, and Christmas day will be all the more joyous!
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, as a family, we commit ourselves to daily prayer. Our desire is to become closer to you and act on your word. Guide us on our journey, and help us to do the will of your Father in heaven. Amen.
***********************************
St. Francis Xavier acted on the Word of God. He tirelessly worked to spread the Good News of Jesus to all parts of Asia. He converted and baptized more than 50,000 people before his death in 1552. St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!
First Friday of Advent - Be Prepared!
Parent: A reading from the gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:27-31)
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith! Oh beautiful faith! How wonderful it is to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ! With faith, Jesus will not deny us what we truly need!
Family Question: There is a great difference between needs and wants. What are some of the things you NEED to become a better person?
Family Activity: Write the needs of each member of the family on a piece of paper. Place the paper under the Advent wreath as a reminder to pray to God with deep faith to answer our prayer.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase our faith! We place before you our needs. These needs will help us to become the people you created us to be. We truly believe that you can give us what we need, Lord. Help us to be open to receiving these gifts. In gratitude, we pray, Our Father… Amen.
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.
The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
Faith! Oh beautiful faith! How wonderful it is to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ! With faith, Jesus will not deny us what we truly need!
Family Question: There is a great difference between needs and wants. What are some of the things you NEED to become a better person?
Family Activity: Write the needs of each member of the family on a piece of paper. Place the paper under the Advent wreath as a reminder to pray to God with deep faith to answer our prayer.
Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, increase our faith! We place before you our needs. These needs will help us to become the people you created us to be. We truly believe that you can give us what we need, Lord. Help us to be open to receiving these gifts. In gratitude, we pray, Our Father… Amen.
First Saturday of Advent - Be Prepared!
Parent: A reading from the gospel according to Matthew (Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8)
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
"The Kingdom of heaven is at hand." This means that the promise of eternal life with God is real, is now, and is revealed through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Through the many signs such as curing the sick and raising the dead, Jesus shows us that in heaven, there is no pain, suffering, sadness, or evil. In order to spread this Good News, he needs laborers. He needs his disciples to go out and tell everyone about it!
Family Question: What can you do to share the Good News of Jesus to those around you?
Family Activity: Sharing the Good News with others can take on many forms such as telling someone you love Jesus, inviting someone to go to church with you, or just simply being kind to everyone around you. As a family, create a list of ways that you can show people that Jesus is part of your life. Make a commitment to do one of those ways this Advent season.
Closing Prayer: God our Father, you gave us your son Jesus to teach us your loving ways and to give us the promise of your Heavenly Kingdom. Thanks you Father for opening up your gates so that we can be happy with you forever. Give us the courage to share this Good News with others through our words and actions. Help us to be the face of your son Jesus to all those we meet. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned,
like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”
Then he summoned his Twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.
Jesus sent out these Twelve after instructing them thus, “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”
The Gospel of the Lord All: Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ
"The Kingdom of heaven is at hand." This means that the promise of eternal life with God is real, is now, and is revealed through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Through the many signs such as curing the sick and raising the dead, Jesus shows us that in heaven, there is no pain, suffering, sadness, or evil. In order to spread this Good News, he needs laborers. He needs his disciples to go out and tell everyone about it!
Family Question: What can you do to share the Good News of Jesus to those around you?
Family Activity: Sharing the Good News with others can take on many forms such as telling someone you love Jesus, inviting someone to go to church with you, or just simply being kind to everyone around you. As a family, create a list of ways that you can show people that Jesus is part of your life. Make a commitment to do one of those ways this Advent season.
Closing Prayer: God our Father, you gave us your son Jesus to teach us your loving ways and to give us the promise of your Heavenly Kingdom. Thanks you Father for opening up your gates so that we can be happy with you forever. Give us the courage to share this Good News with others through our words and actions. Help us to be the face of your son Jesus to all those we meet. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.