Things to talk about:

• In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins by saying, “Fear no one.” Are you afraid of anyone? If so, why?
• How many hairs to do you think you have on your head? How does it make you feel to know that God knows everything about you, even the number of hairs on your head?
• What does Jesus mean when he says, “Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.”?
• Is there something worrisome or scary you are being invited to do in your life now? Does it help your resolve to hear Jesus’ assurances of God’s care for you? Why or why not?

Things to do:

• Bird watching is a very enjoyable hobby and one which the whole family can enjoy. The best place to start bird watching is in your own backyard. Set the garden up to be bird friendly so your family can sit and enjoy watching birds any time they like. Here are some ideas:
  • Set up a bird bath.
  • Set up a bird feeder.
  • Set up nesting boxes.
  • Get a children’s bird reference book or make your own by searching the Internet for birds in your local area and printing pictures of them.
  • Get some binoculars.
• You may be surprised just how many species you see. (Jesus mentions sparrows in today’s Gospel; see if you can spot one!) You can also make a game of it and offer a prize to the first person who can spot 5 different birds.

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank you for the reminders from Scripture of your love for us.
Help us to be living witnesses of that love with all those we encounter this coming week. Amen.

Name anyone who needs prayer, reply, “Lord, hear our prayers.”  Close with the Sign of the Cross.     

Catholic Insight

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus is speaking to the apostles immediately
after giving them a terrifying task. First, he told them to go out and
“cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons.” They were probably worried about their abilities to do all that. Secondly, he told them to take nothing for their journey: no money, food, or extra clothing. Naturally, they were likely concerned about not having enough of the basic necessities for such a mission. Finally, Jesus told them the kicker: “I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves… beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me… and you will be hated by all because of my name”

Having heard all these instructions and predictions, we can imagine the apostles might not have wanted to go through with their mission after all. Who in their right mind would sign up for such a job? Just when all the apostles may have been reconsidering their mission, Jesus addressed their fears. He told them boldly that they shouldn’t fear anyone. He urged them to speak with confidence and strength. He reminded them that they are worth far more than two song birds who—though seemingly insignificant
compared to humans—are each known, watched over, and cared for by God. He taught them that the life of their soul is more important than their physical life. He put their physical worries and fears into perspective. Death is not the worst that can happen, so they do not need to live in fear. Instead, they can go out to proclaim Jesus’ message and live in confidence and trust that God will watch over them, until, through, and beyond their death.