Things to talk about:

• What does it mean to have faith?
• Find a picture of a mustard seed. What is Jesus trying to say about faith in this Gospel story?
• In the second part of today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us about knowing our place in God’s plans. We must be willing to do what God expects of us and not seek a reward. Are you willing to do this? Why or why not?
• What should you be doing—something that is expected of you—that you are not currently doing? What can you do to change that?

Things to do:

• October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Many of the saints had to rely n their faith in God to accomplish things. St. Francis is a good example of this. Research the life of St. Francis. With almost no worldly goods and great faith in God, he accomplished many things to make the world a better place.
• Go to formed.org and search for videos about St. Francis of Assisi. For children, watch Brother Francis: the Barefoot Saint of Assisi. New to FORMED? Go to FORMED.org/signup; Enter the parish zip code (30066) or enter Transfiguration and select the parish . Enter your name and email Already have a FORMED Account?  Visit FORMED.org; Click Sign In; Enter your email; Click the link in your email; You’re in!
• Prayer the “Prophets of a Future: not our own prayer.” What are some phrases that touch you? How does the idea that we might not see all the fruits of our labor make you feel about your work as a follower of Christ?
• How many plants and flowers do you see in your church today?

Closing Prayer

October is the month of the rosary. Pray a decade of the rosary this week.

When we pray the rosary, we remember the important events of Jesus’ life. On Sundays, we typically pray the Glorious Mysteries. To find the prayers of the rosary and the Glorious Mysteries, visit: https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary

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

Catholic Insights

We pray, “Increase our Faith.” This Gospel reminds the disciples that they can accomplish God’s will in their lives if they have faith. Jesus uses the image of a mustard seed, the tiniest seed, that grows into a very large plant to teach us that even a little faith is enough to accomplish the impossible.

Jesus teaches us in this parable that there is nothing out of the ordinary in doing what is right. The person who does what is right is doing what they are supposed to be doing—what is expected of them

This week in Alpha we explore “Why and How do I Pray?” We pray “Increase our Faith.” Through prayer, Scripture, doing is what expected without anything in return, strengthens our relationship with Jesus.

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Did you know….October is Respect Life Month. We respect all life from conception to natural death, and this belief drives all Catholic social teaching.

At Transfiguration we support The Hope Center through the Baby Bottle Boomerang Fund Raiser. Pick up a baby bottle at Church, collect coins/dollars to support the good work of respecting life.

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