.

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