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Our Great Journey

The theme is “Presence” based on Luke 2:22-40 / Lucas 2:22-40

We gather together at Church this week for Our Great Journey!

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord Jesus, you entered into human history to save us from our sins, becoming a light in the darkness. We thank you as Simeon did, for your presence in our world. May the light of your life guide us along the right path and be reflected in our daily words and actions. Amen.

In addition to our prayers from the heart, our prayer for February is The Memorare. The Memorare is a prayer that asks Mary to hear and answer our prayers on behalf of her Son. Please pray this prayer daily to learn.

Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.

Things to talk about:

  • Why did Mary and Joseph bring Jesus to the temple? What does it mean to dedicate a baby to God?
  • What can we learn from Simeon and Anna about waiting and trusting in God?
  • How can we show our thankfulness to God like Simeon and Anna did?
  • Simeon called the baby Jesus “light” for all nations. Why is this an appropriate image for Jesus?

Things to do:

  • Take a tour of Church to locate these candles: tabernacle candle burns to remind us of the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist reserved there; candles in the chapel represent our constant prayers for those in need or our expression of thanks; candles by the altar signify its place as the table of the Lord where we share in the Body and Blood of Jesus; the Paschal candle near the Baptismal font represents Christ himself. (Look for the alpha and omega — the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, the numbers for the current year, representing all time belongs to Christ and all the ages; the 5 grains of incense in the places of Christ’s wounds.) Lord we thank you for your presence as the Light of the World.
  • Light the blessed candle you received at Journey. Share stories about how each person acted as a light to the world during your day. Pray that God continues to help your light shining brightly.
  • During the Presentation of the Gifts, the bread and wine are brought to the altar. This is also called the Offertory. Watch for this moment at Mass today.

Closing Prayer

Eucharistic Revival Prayer

Ponder the profound mystery of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist as you say this prayer for the National Eucharistic Revival.

Lord Jesus Christ, you give us your body and blood for the life of the world, and you desire that all people come to the Supper of the Sacrifice of the Lamb. Renew in your Church the truth, beauty, and goodness contained in the Most Blessed Eucharist.

     Jesus living in the Eucharist, come and live in me.

     Jesus healing in the Eucharist, come and heal me.

     Jesus sacrificing yourself in the Eucharist, come and suffer in me.

     Jesus rising in the Eucharist, come and rise to new life in me.

     Jesus loving in the Eucharist, come and love in me.

Lord Jesus Christ, through the paschal mystery of your death and resurrection made present in every Holy Mass, pour out your healing love on your Church and on our world. Grant that as we lift you up during this time of Eucharistic Revival, your Holy Spirit may draw all people to join us at this Banquet of Life. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever.

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mother of the Eucharist, Pray for us.

Eucharistic Revival Prayer

Name those who need our prayers.

Catholic Insights

Who were the first people who taught you something about Jesus? How would your children answer this question? Mary and Joseph were faithful and followed the Jewish law and took part in all practices and ceremonies. They taught Jesus about God. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple as we brought our children to the Church to be baptized.

             Simeon knew Jesus was the one he had been waiting for because he was filled with God’s Spirit and that Spirit brought him to meet Jesus.

Scripture uses many images to describe Jesus: Good Shepherd, the true vine, the Messiah and Light. Light scatters the darkness and helps us to see clearly, it brings joy.

At the Easter Vigil the Paschal candle, the light of Christ, is lit from a new fire. The Paschal Candle stays lit for the Great 50 days of Easter until Pentecost. It is also lit for every Baptism and every funeral.

We are the light for others when we share in the light of Christ. We hope to show God’s love and mercy to others who are without it or don’t know how to find the light.

Did you know…. The Feast of the Presentation is also called Candlemas because on this day the Church blesses all the candles it will use during the year. Light is a symbol of Jesus and it was Jesus who said to us, “You are the light of the world.” Matt 5:14. We pray that God will help us to keep our light shining brightly.
 

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

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