September 29, 2024 – 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Our Great Journey

The theme is “In HIS Name” based on Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 / Marcos 9:38-43, 45, 47-48

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord, Jesus Christ, you said to the Apostles, “Come, Follow Me.” You say these same words to us today and everyday. Help us to follow you faithfully. We rejoice in your presence with us as we work to build up the kingdom of God. Amen.

In addition to our prayers from the heart, our prayer for September is the Hail Mary. Please pray this prayer daily to learn it..

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

Things to talk about:

Consider the power in invoking the name of Jesus. Where else in the Gospels does Jesus encourage us to invoke his name? (Hint: John 14:14)
In what way do my actions lead people toward holiness or lead them toward sin?
In today’s Gospel, Jesus uses graphic imagery to depict the seriousness of the consequences of sin. Although Jesus is not being literal about cutting off one’s body part, he is trying to make clear that sin can have eternal consequences. Do you think people today take the consequences of sin seriously? What is it that we can do to receive forgiveness for sins?

Things to do:

Learn about the Corporal Works of Mercy, most are listed in Matthew 25:31-46. Read this passage and choose one of the works of mercy to do.
Celebrate the Feast of the Archangels, Michael, Gabriel and Raphael on September 29, click HERE for activities for younger children, click Here for some recipe ideas. Angel Food Cake and Devils Food Cake are always a win. St. Michael is known for fighting Satan and casting him into Hell. St. Gabriel is known for appearing to Mary at the annunciation to tell her that she was going to have Jesus. St. Raphael is known for being a healer, and is mentioned in the book of Tobit.
Celebrate the Feast of the Guardian Angels on October 2. Click for ideas.
Learn about the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, read more…. If you have a pet, come to the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 5, 10 a.m. in the mall area in front of the Church.

Closing Prayer

Name those who need our prayers. Pray the Hail Mary.

Catholic Insights

We are all called to do the work of God. Sometimes people want their group to include only certain people and exclude others. In this Gospel, it seems that the disciples feel like they are the only ones who should be allowed to be called followers of Jesus and have all the privileges that come with it. Jesus tells John that anyone who does a good deed in the name of Jesus is one of his followers.

In the second part of this Gospel, Jesus gives a warning and uses extreme imagery to make his point. If we act and speak in God’s name, we must be sure it is God’s Word we are sharing, not our own.

Lord, help us to know you and In YOUR Name, share your love and light with all we meet through our words and actions. Amen.

Did you know?….. There have been many child saints? St Maria Goretti, Sts. Jacinta and Franisco Marto and St Jose Luis Sanchez del Rio are just a few to look up. Also Blessed Carlo Acutis, the First Millennial Saint.

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