Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel, we hear Jesus invite the Apostles to rest and relax with Him after they return from their mission to preach and heal in Jesus’ name.

• Jesus wanted his apostles to rest after they ministered to the people.  Why is it important to rest?
• Jesus also wanted to spend some quiet time with his disciples.  Jesus wants to spend quiet time with you too.  What are some ways you can spend quiet time with Jesus?
• Why were there so many people following Jesus?  Why was he so popular?
• If you could go anywhere in the world to proclaim the Gospel, where would you go?

Things to do:

• Have a race:  We hear that the crowds were drawn to Jesus and they hastened to see Him.  Have a fun family race in the backyard or at a park. 
• Looking ahead at the school year, pull out the family calendar. Make sure you have everyone’s schedules on the calendar and then discuss:
  • Is there time for everyone in the family to have quiet time alone with Jesus?
  • Is there time for everyone in the family to relax and unwind?
  • Is there a time when the family can be together for prayer?

Closing Prayer

Be Still Meditation

Meditate on these words from Psalm 46:10 today. Have one person read the line, wait a minute or two, and then read the next line. As they are reading, those listening can close their eyes, carefully breathing in and out while focusing on the words. If you want, you can play soft, instrumental or reflective music in the background.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Catholic Insights

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads the Church always guiding His flock, His disciples in all ages and times.  The Apostles were chosen to share in Christ’s mission (CCC, 1575) and to continue to lead His Church.  We, His disciples, are reminded that we too seek to rest and be near Jesus, to hear and keep His word (CCC, 2656).

Many families feel that they are always busy. Always running from one commitment to another whether it is work, school, sports, other student activities, etc.

In the gospel we see Jesus, the Good Shepherd, remind the apostles of their need for rest. We are reminded that we need this time too, to rest with Jesus as a a family. As Domestic Churches this can be a good time to pray together and instil our faith in Jesus Christ with our children.

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Saint James Feast Day is July 25^th he is the Apostle James, brother of the Apostle John.  To learn more about him click here.