Things to talk about:

• Compare and contrast the behaviors of the good shepherd and the hired man in today’s Gospel story.
• Sheep rely on their shepherd for everything they need. How do you trust in Jesus and depend on him to give you what you need?
• Why is this image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd such an important one?
• Think about who you can extend the love of the Good Shepherd to this week.

Things to do:

• · The image of sheep reminds us the lambs’ wool is used to make warm clothing. One of the corporal works of mercy is to clothe the naked. Even though the weather is turning warmer, many still have a need for clothing. What donations can your family make to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store? Each morning this week, as you dress for school or work, pray for those who are in need of good clothing.
• Have Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Potatoes for dinner one night this week, www.kevinandamanda.com/easier-shepherds-pie-with-roasted-potatoes/print-recipe/35342/

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Psalm 23 Meditation

Invite everyone to close their eyes and imagine themselves sitting on the grass in a beautiful meadow by a stream gurgling with cool, clear water. Imagine they feel the warm sun with a gentle breeze blowing. Can they hear the birds signing? Read Psalm 23 slowly. Spend a few minutes in quiet and then ask each person how they felt during the meditation.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

Jesus uses the image of the Good Shepherd in this Gospel to comfort the Apostles and remind them that he will always be with them.

 The people to whom Jesus ministered implicitly understood how all encompassing the shepherd’s care was. Sheep are incapable of protecting themselves from predators. They also have no sense of direction, if they lose sight of the shepherd, they are lost. The shepherd watches over the flock and leads them to water and grass. He tends to the sheep who get hurt or sick.

When we look at the words Jesus speaks about the “other sheep,” we understand the Church’s emphasis on ecumenism (harmony and unity among all Christians). Jesus became human to save all human beings. We, as disciples, are called to extend the love we have experienced in our hearts to all, no matter who they are.

Do you know That the first people to whom the birth of Jesus was announced by an angel were shepherds? They responded to this good news and joyfully paid homage to the newborn king, Jesus.

Some sheep facts:

• Sheep have a thick coat of wool on their body which is called a fleece.   The fleece can be made into a fiber called yarn.     
• Other parts of the sheep are used to make things such as insulation, baseballs, upholstery, crochet needles, and tennis balls.
• Oil from the wool of sheep is called lanolin and is used to make beauty products such as lotions and creams.
• There are many words to learn when talking about sheep:
• The female sheep is called a ewe.
• A male sheep is called a ram. Rams, which are larger than ewes, and sometimes fight with each other to prove who is the strongest.
• The young sheep are called lambs.
• Sheep eat facing the same direction, always keeping the wind blowing toward them. Each sheep usually keeps two other sheep in sight when feeding.
• Sheep move around in large groups called flocks.
• Sheep farms may have little flocks of 50 to 200 sheep.
•  Larger operations may have 1,000 to 5,000 sheep.
• Little flocks of 10 or fewer sheep may belong to people who like to dye and knit yarn that is made from the sheep’s wool.

Things to talk about:

• Does Jesus’ greeting, “Peace be with you,” sound familiar? Where have you heard this greeting?
• Why did Jesus ask the disciples to look at his hands and his feet?
• What point is Luke trying to make be describing in detail Jesus eating the fish among his disciples?
• How have you experienced a feeling of community in your parish?
• What does receiving the Eucharist mean to you?
• How can you testify to the love and peace of Christ in the ways you speak and act toward others at home? At school? At your activities? At work?

Things to do:

• In this Gospel, the disciples were “incredulous for joy.” Playgrounds bring great joy to children. Celebrate the joy of the season at a playground in your favorite park or a new park, trail or waterfall that you’ve always wanted to visit.
• Outside the Easter season, the first reading is typically from the Old Testament. During the Easter season, the first reading is from which book in the New Testament? (Click the link for Luke above)
• Jesus was made known to them in “the breaking of the bread.” As a family make bread and read the Gospel at your family meal.

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Listen and pray for strength, courage and creativity to Testify to Love.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

In this Gospel, the disciples were initially startled and terrified at Jesus’ appearance, but became “incredulous for joy” as they discovered it was Jesus really with them.  Jesus’ resurrected body was different from his earthly body  — he appeared and vanished instantly, yet he had flesh and bones and he ate food. When we speak of our own resurrection, we don’t know what our glorified bodies will look like but the Gospel reminds us that all that makes us truly ourselves in this world will live on into eternal life.

The scene in this Gospel also reminds us that the sharing of a meal is crucial in building any community, especially the Church. We gather each Sunday to share the Eucharist and it is an opportunity to grown in love for one another and Christ.

At the end of the Gospel, Jesus tells his Apostles that they are witnesses, they have an understanding of the events; they have been with Jesus and heard his preaching, teaching and seen him healing others. The Apostles understand, as we do, that his death was the final act in a life devoted completely to love and obedience to his Father’s will. Jesus has transformed all of creation, delivered us from evil and established the kingdom of God. Jesus wants the Apostles and us to testify to love.

Do you know …throughout the Easter season, The Great 50 Days, we rejoice in our Baptism and our membership in the Church? At Mass, we may celebrate a Sprinkling Rite instead of the  Penitential Rite. We are sprinkled with holy water as a reminder of our Baptism.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection

 

Easy Artisan Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (one may be whole wheat white)
• 1/2 tsp. yeast
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1.5 cups warm water (100-110 F)

In a bowl, stir all ingredients until combined. Cover with plastic wrap and set at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface and form a ball by pulling the dough from the sides to the top. Rest for 30 minutes as you preheat oven to 450 F. Place baking dish with high sides into the oven while preheating. Slash a cross on top of the bread and carefully place into baking dish.

Cover and bake 30 minutes; uncover and bake 10-15 minutes more until golden brown. Cool before slicing.

Things to talk about:

• Sometimes, people call Thomas, “Doubting Thomas.” Why do you think he got that nickname?
• What would it be like to see Jesus alive, after he died on the cross?
• Why do you think it’s hard for some people today to believe in Jesus?
• What do we say after the priest says, “Let us offer each other the sign of peace”?  How does that remind you of today’s Gospel?

Things to do:

• Build a Fort—After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples gathered in the Upper Room. Build a fort with blankets, pillows, cardboard boxes, etc. Hang out and play games, tell stories, or imagine what it was like for the disciples in the Gospel today.
• St. John Paul II declared the Second Sunday of Easter Divine Mercy Sunday in 2000 when St. Faustina Kowalska, to whom Jesus revealed the Divine Mercy image, was beatified. Jesus told Sr. Faustina, “Humanity will never find peace until it turns with trust to Divine Mercy.” This day is a chance to reflect on the mercy of God in our lives. Many people pray The Chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00pm every day. You are encouraged to pray it today, on the feast of Divine Mercy. See the closing prayer. 
• At 3:00pm each day this week (the hour of mercy), say “Jesus, I trust in you” and pray for an increase in trust in God. Set a reminder on your phone to help you remember.
• The Easter Season lasts for 50 Days. Check out these resources to continue celebrating the Great 50 Days. Divine Mercy Sunday is a great day for Ice Cream Sundaes. (Recipe in the resources)

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Sign of the Cross

Our Father

Hail Mary

Apostles’ Creed

On the Our Father beads:

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of your dearly beloved son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

On the Hail Mary Beads:

For the sake of his sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

After five decades, conclude by reciting three times:

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

Jesus’ first words after his resurrection are “Peace be with you.” When Jesus says “Peace, he has in mind the Jewish idea of shalom. The Hebrew word suggests the peace that existed at the beginning of creation, when everything God created was good and in perfect harmony. Jesus’ greeting assures the Apostles that all the damages of sin have been reversed.

We also hear about “doubting Thomas,” who demanded proof. According to Church tradition, Thomas became a great missionary and died a martyr’s death. Rather than looking at Thomas’ question from disbelief, we can look at it from a point of integrity. He refused to go along with the crowd until he had an encounter with Christ. As it was with Thomas, questioning led to an even deeper faith. We are those who have not seen but believed, but the Gospel leads our unseeing eyes to believe. Peace be with YOU.

Do you know …Someone who has stopped going to Church or started to question their beliefs? Reach out  and invite them to be part of the community again and come with you to Mass or Family Faith.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection

 

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Things to talk about:

• Have you ever received news that was so good that it was at first, unbelievable?
• Imagine you are at the empty tomb with Mary of Magdala. How would you have felt? What would you have said to Mary?
• Why do you think the description of the burial cloths are described in such detail?
• How does the Resurrection of Jesus Christ change the meaning of your life?

Things to do:

• Holy Saturday – On this day, we hold vigil and, in the evening, we welcome the light (fire) that dispels the darkness and proclaim “Alleluia!” and “Glory to God!” for the first time in 40 days to begin the celebration of the Resurrection. We celebrate new life in Baptism and renew our baptismal promises.
• Pull out pictures, videos, and mementos of your children’s Baptisms, and tell stories and share memories of the events. As a family, renew your baptismal promises
• Color Resurrection eggs, and explain how the egg is a symbol of the Resurrection (life emerging from the tomb). Decorate the eggs with religious symbols. 
• Easter Sunday – He is not here, he is risen from the dead. Matthew 28:6
• Make Resurrection rolls to eat on Easter morning
• Chalk your driveway or use chalk paint to paint an Easter symbol on a window. Lots of good ideas if you search the web.
• The Paschal Candle – look at the markings on the Paschal candle. The numbers indicate the calendar year, the cross reminds us of Jesus’ passion and death. The alpha and omega remind us that Christ is the beginning and the end of all things. The five pieces of incense inserted into the cross represent the five wounds of Jesus. 
• Make an Alleluia banner for your Easter decorations
• This month’s prayer is The Rosary, to remember the important events in Jesus’ life. Gather as a family to pray the Glorious Mystery of the Rosary. Read more about the Rosary….

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pray with music. As a family, listen to the song Build My Life. Reflect on the lyrics and share what Easter means to you

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

Alleluia! Easter is a joyous celebration. With God all things are truly possible.

In all 4 Gospels, Mary Magdalene is among the women who are the first to bear witness to Jesus’s resurrection. In John’s Gospel she finds Peter and John to tell them about the empty tomb. They rush to see.

None of the Gospels report anyone seeing Jesus leave the tomb. In this Gospel detail is provided about the burial cloths left in the tomb. The head cloth is rolled up neatly and separately from the larger cloth that wrapped Jesus’ body. No one engaged in grave robbery would have taken the time to organize the burial garments.

Arise! Arise in each of us God’s unfathomable love and the desire to share His love in words and actions. Amen.

Did you know? …The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is identified as the place of the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. Visitors can enter the cave (which is preserved inside the church) and see the actual place where Jesus rose from the dead. Visitors generally wait in line for 3 or 4 hours to visit the tomb.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection

 

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Things to talk about:

• Have each family member share what makes the biggest impression on them from the story of the Lord’s Passion.
• The soldiers beat Jesus and made fun of him. How do you think that made Jesus feel?
• What would it have been like to be Simon of Cyrene?
• This week, how can you show that you honor Jesus as the Christ and Son of God?

Things to do:

• Red is the liturgical color for Palm Sunday. Where do you see red at Mass today?
• Make a palm cross. Check out this website for more elaborate options, https://www.mercyhome.org/blog/sunday-mass/how-to-weave-palms/
• Place palm branches behind all the crucifixes in your home.
• The Triduum – The summit of the Liturgical Year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. Plan on attending as many of the Holy Day liturgies as you can. Click HERE for schedule.
• Holy Thursday – On this day, we recall the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, and the agony in the garden. 
• To recall the institution of the Eucharist, the Bread of Life, consider baking a loaf of bread as a family. It can be a favorite recipe, or you can make unleavened bread, . As part of the experience, have a family member read Exodus 12 about the first Passover meal. Recipe included. 
• Good Friday – On this day, we recall Jesus’ suffering and Death and venerate the Cross. 
• Have a meaningful and simple Good Friday lunch, read more here,
• Invite the family to turn off all devices between noon and 3 p.m., to recall the time that Jesus suffered on the Cross. Use the time to bake hot cross buns or, if the weather permits, to go outside and plant seeds, explaining how a seed must “die” if it is to give life. 
• Holy Saturday – On this day, we hold vigil and, in the evening, we welcome the light (fire) that dispels the darkness and proclaim “Alleluia!” and “Glory to God!” for the first time in 40 days to begin the celebration of the Resurrection. We celebrate new life in Baptism and renew our baptismal promises.
• Pull out pictures, videos, and mementos of your children’s Baptisms, and tell stories and share memories of the events. As a family, renew your baptismal promises
• Color Resurrection eggs, and explain how the egg is a symbol of the Resurrection (life emerging from the tomb). Decorate the eggs with religious symbols. 
• Make Resurrection rolls to eat on Easter morning
• This month’s prayer is The Rosary, to remember the important events in Jesus’ life. Gather as a family to pray the rosary, even if it’s just one decade/mystery. Read more about the Rosary….

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer before a Crucifix (adapted)

Listen and reflect on the African Spiritual, Were You There. You should be able to find the song on YouTube or wherever you stream music. When you are done, pray this prayer in front of a crucifix in your home:

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus, while before your face I humbly kneel and with burning soul, pray and beg you, to fix deep in my heart, the gifts of faith, hope and charity, true contrition/sorrow for my sins and a promise to do better. While I think and pray with great love and tender pity, about your five most precious wounds, thinking about what you suffered, and calling to mind the words that David, your prophet, said of you, my Jesus, “They have pierced My hands and feet, They have numbered all my bones.” Amen.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

On Palm Sunday, we receive a palm branch and remember how the people welcomed Jesus when he entered Jerusalem just days before he died. So many people were happy to see Jesus, but not everyone. These people did not believe his words and thought his teaching was wrong. They asked the Romans to put him to death. Since Jesus knew what he had to do, he didn’t argue with them. As the Son of God, he knew he needed to die so that God could raise him. Then all of us would have everlasting life in heaven. Our bodies one day would die, just like Jesus’ body, but our souls would rise and go to live with God in heaven forever. We have the gift of eternal life; happiness with God in heaven forever. THIS IS HOW MUCH GOD LOVES US.

Jesus obeys his Father to the very end. The passion account is the most difficult to hear.

In the years that Jesus was on earth, teaching his Apostles and walking with his many followers, he taught how important forgiveness is and how to respond to God and others in loving ways. Jesus knew he needed to teach the people about forgiveness in a way we could understand.

Before we get to the happy ending, we have to take the time to think about what Jesus did for us. If Jesus had not died on the cross, he couldn’t have risen from the dead and we would not have eternal life through him. Hosannah, Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who gave his life that we can have eternal life with him in heaven.

Did you know? …When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowd spreads cloaks on the road before him. To spread cloaks on the road was an ancient gesture of homage before a newly crowned king.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection

 

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Things to talk about:

• Jesus says that when a grain of wheat dies and falls to the ground, it produces much fruit. Share an example of how this happens in nature.
• Share about a time when you didn’t see past a challenge. Thinking back, can you see that something new or positive emerged from it?
• In what way do we benefit from Jesus’ death?
• The Gospel makes it clear that those who put Jesus first gain eternal life. Is it easy or hard to put Jesus first? Explain your answer.

Things to do:

• The word “Amen” means “so be it” or “it is so.” How many times do we say “Amen” at Mass?
• As a family, pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith today. Pray for this intention all week.
• This month’s prayer is The Rosary, to remember the important events in Jesus’ life. Gather as a family to pray the rosary, even if it’s just one decade/mystery. Read more about the Rosary….

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

St. Joseph Prayer

The Feast of St. Joseph is on March 19th. This week call on his protection and intercession.

A Prayer to St. Joseph for Protection

St. Joseph, whose protection is so great,

so strong, so prompt before the throne of God,

I place in you all my interests and desires.

St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession

and obtain for me from your divine son

all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, our Lord;

so that having engaged here below your heavenly power,

I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms.

I dare not approach while he reposes near your heart.

Press him in my name and kiss his fine head for me,

and ask him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us.

Amen.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

In this Gospel, Jesus predicted his suffering, death, and Resurrection and prepared his disciples to believe in the salvation that his death would accomplish. Using the metaphor of the grain of wheat, Jesus presented the idea that his dying would be beneficial. It’s letting go, and letting God.

Jesus gives a confident response to the question he raises when asking God to save him from his impending death. After announcing his conviction that it is for this purpose that he came, a voice from heaven speaks, as if in answer to Jesus’ prayer. This voice, like the one heard at Jesus’ baptism and at Jesus’ Transfiguration—events reported in the Synoptic Gospels but not in John’s Gospel—affirms that God glorifies the sacrifice that Jesus will make on behalf of others. In John’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that this voice was sent for the sake of those who would believe in him.

Through Jesus’ dying and rising, salvation is brought to the world, paradoxically, his death is a victory.

Did you know? …the Catholic Church in the U.S. is in the midst of a National Eucharistic Revival. It started on the feast of Corpus Christi in 2022 and will continue through Pentecost 2025. Read more, www.eucharisticrevial.org.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection

 

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Things to talk about:

• Why was it necessary for God to send his Son into the world to die for our sins?
• Jesus refers to himself as “light” and says that some prefer darkness to light. Why would someone prefer darkness (to do evil works) rather than follow Jesus?
• How does knowing that God loves you no matter what affect how you make choices in your life?

Things to do:

• Make a John 3:16 sign and place it in a prominent place in your home. Invite each family member to memorize John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.”
• Register your family for Transfiguration Serves, March 16-17, you can help at Hands On, March 16, 9-noon or sign up for other service projects throughout the weekend. www,transfiguration.com/news/transfiguration-serves.
• Practice a corporal work of mercy by having a spring-cleaning day at home. Each family member should find 3 good things that would be appreciated by those who have less. Bring them together to St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store, Kennesaw or Goodwill. Pray for those who will receive your donations. (more about corporal works of mercy, www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/new-evangelization/jubilee-of-mercy/the-corporal-works-of-mercy)
• This month’s prayer is The Rosary, to remember the important events in Jesus’ life. Gather as a family to pray the rosary, even if it’s just one decade/mystery. Read more about the Rosary….

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Breastplate of St. Patrick

The breastplate of St. Patrick reminds us that Christ is always with us. Pray it together as a family.

Christ with me, Christ before me,

Christ behind me, Christ in me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in every eye that sees me,

Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

of the Creator of creation.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is called Laetare Sunday. Laetare is Latin for rejoice. The color rose may be used as the liturgical color. We are joyful and hopeful because Easter is near.

John 3:16 reminds us that the whole reason Jesus came into the world was not to die but to love. In accepting death on the cross, Jesus showed how much he was willing to do to redeem all human beings. In the Resurrection, he shows that God’s love is so strong that even death cannot overcome it.

Some people might unfortunately choose to stay in the darkness instead of the light. Jesus is the Light of the World. We can choose darkness or live “In the Light.” Whatever we decide, God doesn’t stop loving us or inviting us to come back to him. God wants eternal life for all.

Did you know? …Christians started holding “John 3:16” signs at sports stadiums beginning in the late 1970s as a way to spread the Gospel.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection

 

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Things to talk about:

• Why was Jesus angry about what was happening at the Temple?
• What are some of the “tables” or things that block your connection with God?.

Things to do:

• In the time of Jesus, the temple was the most important of Jewish buildings because God was present there in a special way. Today, Jesus is present in a special way in the Eucharist, which is reserved in the tabernacle. Find the tabernacle in our church.
• This Gospel invites us to reflect on the quality of our worship and prayer at home. If you haven’t already, create and decorate a prayer space in your home that is dedicated to prayer and worship of God. Invite family members to use this space throughout the week and beyond. If someone walked in your home, would they know you were Catholic? Decorate the prayer space with a purple cloth for Lent, the Bible, battery operated candle, crucifix and paper to record prayer intentions.
• This month’s prayer is The Rosary, to remember the important events in Jesus’ life. Gather as a family to pray the rosary, even if it’s just one decade/mystery. Read more about the Rosary….

Closing Prayer

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Righteous Anger

In today’s Gospel, Jesus shows anger over abuses in the temple. As followers of Christ, it is appropriate for us too to get angry over sin. Evils such as abuse, racism, pornography, etc. should incense us. This prayer will help to transform righteous anger into peace.

God of righteous anger and holy healing, We pray for our world and for people who have been hurt by members of the Church. We ask for accountability, change and healing.

God of Peace, We pray for our world where war has become a way of life. We pray for reconciliation and your peace that surpasses all understanding.

God of Creation, We pray for our world. For ocean and mountain, hill and vale, forest and meadow and for all the creatures with which we share this beautiful creation.

We pray for wisdom that we may be faithful and humble stewards of this beautiful planet.

God of Love, We pray for our hearts, And all that we hold dear, Family and friends, Work and rest and play.

We pray for joy and compassion that we may live and share your love.

Amen.

Adapted from: https://worshipwords.co.uk/god-of-righteous-anger-a-prayer-thandiwe-dale-ferguson-usa/

Catholic Insights

This Gospel portrays Jesus as angry which is somewhat surprising. He turns everything upside down! Jesus is so passionate and devoted to the Father, and his mission was to bring people to a relationship with his Father.

The Temple was huge, maybe the size of 25 football fields. You could get in a lot of “steps” going to the Temple. In Jesus’ time, all men over 19 yrs old had to pay a tax to go into the Temple. If you didn’t have the correct amount, you had to exchange it with the money changers. Tradition also dictated that you had to bring an animal for sacrifice and usually purchased it from one of the sellers in the Temple. It was almost stressful to enter the temple and did not create a prayerful and peaceful experience.

Jesus then speaks about destroying the Temple and raising it back up in three days. The people who heard this were even more surprised, they couldn’t know that he was talking about himself—his passion, death and resurrection.

Jesus shows us with his actions and words that he has come to get rid of everything that keeps people from God, like temple taxes and buying and selling sacrifices. He is “turning the tables” to reveal a new world, a world that reveals the presence of God among us.

Did you know? …the Temple Jesus visited was the Second Temple? The First Temple was built  under King Solomon. The Second was under King Herod, destroyed in AD70. All that remains is a portion of the Western Wall, also known as the Waling Wall.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection