Joyce Guris

August 18, 2024 – 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is Life of the World based on John 6:51-58/Juan 6:51-58.

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord, prepare us to recieve you fully in the Sacrament of the Eucharist so that we may be your hands and feet in our communities.  Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches that his body and blood will be true food for those who wish to follow him. Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven”

  • Is the Eucharist (Communion) important to you? Why?
  • In the gospel we see many people very confused about what Jesus has told them. When you do not understand or have questions about faith teachings, who are some people you can talk to so you can learn more and understand better?
  • Is it easy or hard to talk about Jesus to those who don’t know him? Why?

Things to do:

  • Make bread together as a family and enjoy it with a family meal.
  • Discuss your favorite parts or songs of the Mass. Share what you most love about going to Mass as a family with each other.
  • Take 15 minutes to go to the Adoration Chapel together and pray with Jesus. Some great resources for children to use and learn about Adoration can be found here.

Closing Prayer

National Eucharistic Revival Prayer

We are in the Year of Going Out on Mission for the National Eucharistic Revival. Take some time to pray this prayer for this movement. You can also find it at: https://www.eucharisticrevival.org/post/national-eucharistic-revival-prayer 

Lord Jesus Christ, you give us your flesh 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.

Catholic Insights

As Catholics, we believe that when we gather to celebrate the Mass, Jesus is present to us in many ways. In the Word proclaimed, in the presence of the people, in the priest, and in the sacraments celebrated. Most especially, during the prayers and actions of the Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. (CCC 1373)

The change from bread and wine to Body and Blood is transubstantiation. The change is to what the essence of the material, not the nature of the material that we receive. The physical appearance, taste, and smell remains the same. Christ makes himself completely present in body, blood, soul and divinity in the bread and wine that we share during Communion. (CCC 1377)

FAMILY FUN: Bubbles!

Jesus is the living bread that came down from heaven. Today, make some bubbles and send them up to heaven. You can use bubbles from the store or make your own solution and wand.

4 cups warm water

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup blue Dawn dish soap

Whisk the sugar into the warm water until the sugar dissolves. Whisk in dish soap. Let the homemade bubbles sit for a couple of hours for best results. Make your own wand with one of the following:

Fly swatter

Plastic cup: Punch a hole in the bottom to blow through. Dip the large open end into the solution.

Plastic soft drink bottles: Cut the bottom off the bottle and dip. Use the lid end of the bottle to blow.

Pipe cleaners: Create just about any shape you like from a pipe cleaner, just make sure you keep a small section as a handle. 

Plastic funnel: This already has a natural shape for a bubble wand. Using the large end to dip and the small end to blow.

August 11, 2024 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is THE LIVING BREAD based on Jn 6:41-51/Jn 6, 41-51

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Father in heaven, you have made us for yourself; our hearts are restless until they rest in you. Fulfill this longing through Jesus, the Bread of Life, so that we may witness to him who alone satisfies the hunger of the human family. By the power of the Holy Spirit lead us to the heavenly table where we may feast on the vision of your glory for ever and ever. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel we talk about the Bread of Life. Jesus shares that he is the Living Bread that came down from heaven, granting eternal food and drink to the hungry and thirsty who come to him and believe.

  • What does Jesus mean when he says, “I am the living bread”?
  • Jesus used the same words to describe himself as God used to describe manna—bread come down from heaven. The Israelites went out to gather manna. How do you seek out Jesus and gather his teaching for nourishment?
  • In the Catholic Faith, what does the Feast of the Assumption of Mary on August 15 commemorate?
  • Why Mary ‘Was Assumed’ Instead of ‘Ascended’?

Things to do:

  • If you haven’t been using the traditional Catholic Grace before Meals, (“Bless us, O Lord . . . ”), begin teaching it to your children. Draw their attention to the words that refer to our nourishment as God’s gifts. Talk about all the people whose cooperation with God helped to bring these gifts to your table, and ask God’s blessing on them.
  • August 15 is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary. Find images of Mary around the Church.  
  • Visit the Statue of Mary. Bring a flower or bouquet of flowers and leave them there to honor our Blessed Mother. When there, ask Mary to intercede for any specific intentions. Remind children to turn to their heavenly mother in times of need and ask for her prayers.

RECIPES TO TRY

Soda Bread – Make this soda bread to remind you of Jesus, the Bread of Life!

  • oil
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. cream of tartar
  • 1 cup buttermilk

Preheat oven to 450 F. Oil a covered casserole dish or a Dutch oven. Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, and Cream of Tartar. Add buttermilk. Mix until blended; dough will be a bit sticky. Knead 4 or 5 times (not too much of the bread will be tough) and shape into a ball. Cut cross in top and place in prepared pan. Bake covered 30 minutes.

Pineapple Rosemary Agua Fresca

The upcoming feast of the Assumption is also a harvest feast day. In many Catholic countries, it is the day the vineyards, herbs and plants are blessed. This wonderful Pineapple and Rosemary Aqua Fresca is perfect for the feast of the Assumption.

  • 3 cups pineapple chunks
  • 4 cups water divided
  • 2 Tbsp. rosemary
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cups pineapple juice
  • 4 cup ice
  • pineapple chunks and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Combine pineapple chunks, 2 cups water and rosemary in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely liquified. Allow the rosemary to steep in the liquid for about 15 minutes. Strain into a large pitcher. Add remaining water, sugar and pineapple juice and ice to the pitcher. Stir to combine. Portion Agua Fresca in glasses and garnish with chunks of pineapple and rosemary sprigs.

From https://cookeatshare.com/recipes/pineapple-and-rosemary-aqua-fresca-789018/external

Catholic Insights

Today’s Gospel is part of what is known as the Bread of Life Discourse. In reading this passage, it is important to keep in mind where in John’s Gospel this reading takes place. Earlier in the chapter of the Gospel, we hear of Jesus performing the miracle of the multiplications of the loaves and fishes. Thousands had gathered to hear Jesus teach, and by the end of the day, he realized that they would need some food. A boy had five loaves of bread and two fish, out of which Jesus miraculously fed all the people. There were even twelve baskets of food left over.

Once he satisfies the physical needs of the hungry crowd, he addresses their spiritual needs. As if the miracle of the day before wasn’t enough, the people demanded a sign so that they could place their belief in Jesus. Jesus proclaims “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever.” He said that the bread that he was talking about comes from his Father in heaven. It is a true bread that gives life to the world. We are fed not just by physical food but by the Body and Blood of Christ that strengthens our spirit. When these spiritual hungers are satisfied in Christ, we will never “go hungry” again.

Closing Prayer

Bread of life, who gives us strength for the journey and invites us to a deeper appreciation of God’s role in our lives, lead us to your table, where we may be nourished by your banquet of love. Amen

August 4, 2024 – Feast of the Transfiguration

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “Transfigured” based on Mark 9:2-10/Marcos 9:2-10.

All pray the Sign of the Cross

O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to sonship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become co-heirs with him. Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel, we celebrate this feast today as a commemoration of the fact that Jesus literally revealed His glory to three of the Apostles.  He took them up a high mountain and was transfigured before them.  He became dazzling white and radiant with glory.  This was an important image for them to have in their minds in preparation for the very real image of the suffering and death Jesus was about to undergo. 

  • Do you see the glory of God in your life? 
    • Oftentimes this is a real struggle.  We can easily become aware of all the problems we face and can focus in on them.  As a result, it is often easy for us to miss seeing the glory of God in our lives. 
    • So do you see God’s glory in your life? 
  • If you could put yourself in this story, what would you talk about with Jesus on the journey to the mountain top?
  • Talk about a time when you felt God’s grace and presence in your life or a time when you know he answered a prayer?

Things to do:

  • Go Fishing: Casting a line with the kids is a classic, relaxing way to spend a lazy summer day. Find a local lake or stream and go fishing as a family. It’s an opportunity to get away from hectic schedules to enjoy the fresh air, learn about the environment, and even develop patience. Best of all, fishing is quality time spent together talking, laughing, and sitting quietly side by side. 
  • Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day with this easy recipe! Talk about how these ingredients are transformed into something wonderful.
    • Root Beer Float
    • 3 scoops Vanilla Ice Cream
    • 1 can Root Beer
    • Add 3 scoops of Vanilla Ice Cream to a tall glass.
    • Pour Root Beer over ice cream and serve with a straw or a spoon.
  • Overcoming Obstacles: Divide into pairs, have one person put a blindfold over his or her eyes. Have the non-blindfolded person lead the blinded person around the room, building, grounds, or whatever space you are using. The non-blindfolded person must clearly guide the blindfolded person to keep them safe. After about 5 minutes, switch and do the exercise again.
    • Once time is up, come together as a family to share their experiences with each other. Some things to talk about are:
      • What did it feel like to not be able to see?
      • What went through your mid as you listened to your partner give your directions?
      • What did it feel like to be the person guiding the blindfolded person?
    • After listening to each others experience, make the connection that just as every detail was important while being guided, every detail we hear in prayer is also important.

Closing Prayer

Prayer of Appreciation

Begin with the sign of the cross. Then everyone takes a turn sharing one thing they really appreciate about each person in the family. End with the Our Father:

Our Father, Who art in heaven,

Hallowed be Thy Name.

Thy Kingdom come.

Thy Will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Catholic Insights

The disciples’ ascent up Mount Tabor leads us to reflect on the importance of disengaging from worldly matters…It is a matter of being attentive to the careful and prayerful listening of Christ, the beloved Son of the Father, seeking intimate moments of prayer that allow for the joyful welcoming of the Word of God.

In this spiritual ascent, the disengagement from worldly matters, we are called to rediscover the peaceful and regenerative silence of meditating on the Gospel, on the reading of the Bible, which leads to a destination rich in beauty, splendor and joy!

July 28, 2024 – 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “Fish and Loaves” based on John 6:1-15 /Juan 6:1-15

All pray the Sign of the Cross

All powerful and merciful Father, increase our faith in you.  When we struggle to believe, give us the courage to believe so that we may see your power at work in our lives.  Amen.

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

John 6:1-15 /Juan 6:1-15

Things to talk about:

In today’s Gospel story, Jesus miraculously feeds over 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish that a boy in the crowd has with him.

  • If you were the boy in the crowd, would you have shared your food? Why or why not?
  • What does the sign of feeding the multitudes teach us today?
  • What does the abundance teach us about God?
  • How does today’s Gospel remind you of Mass?

Things to do:

  • Harvest berries and vegetables from your garden, or visit a farmers’ market to buy locally-grown produce. Invite friends and family members to make a dish celebrating the fruits of the earth you gathered.
  • Donate extra produce from your garden during a St.Vincent de Paul (SVdP) perishable food drive.
  • Feed the hungry in your area by donating non-perishable food items to SVdP or a local food bank.

Closing Prayer

Loving God,

Multiply me, increase my energy and my efforts, expand my wisdom and capacity to serve, and make me a channel of your love. 

Amen

Catholic Insights

All four Gospels tell a story about Jesus miraculously feeding a large crowd with the lowest estimate set at 5,000 men, not including women and children. Matthew, Mark, and Luke don’t tell us where the food came from; it is John’s Gospel that gives us the detail of the boy who has five loaves of bread and two fish that Jesus multiplies. What was that boy’s experience that day?

Probably those loaves and fish were meant to be the boy’s lunch—or lunch for his whole family. The crowd had converged from the entire surrounding region, and many would have walked from many miles away. What had brought the boy there? What might he and his family have heard about Jesus? Why had they come?

Surrounded by the immense crowd, out and away from the nearest town, up on a mountain, was it a difficult choice for the boy to offer his food when he didn’t know where or when he would have more? Probably we all know people (perhaps even ourselves) who wouldn’t have let on that we had our own food among a hungry crowd. Yet something inspired the boy to share his lunch, and Jesus used a little to feed a lot. The boy learned something that day that we all need to learn and re-learn.

In his song, “What You Got,” singer-songwriter Billy Crockett put it this way: “But oh/remember the fish and the loaves/How love has a math of its own/What you got is more than enough/When God gets a hold/Of what you got.” We can trust Jesus with whatever we have, a little or a lot, to do miraculous things.

July 21, 2024 – 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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This week our theme is “The True Shepherd” based on Mark 6:30-34/Marcos 6:30-34

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Jesus, help us to hear you, our shepherd, so that we may do your will.  Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel, we hear Jesus invite the Apostles to rest and relax with Him after they return from their mission to preach and heal in Jesus’ name.

  • Jesus wanted his apostles to rest after they ministered to the people.  Why is it important to rest?
  • Jesus also wanted to spend some quiet time with his disciples.  Jesus wants to spend quiet time with you too.  What are some ways you can spend quiet time with Jesus?
  • Why were there so many people following Jesus?  Why was he so popular?
  • If you could go anywhere in the world to proclaim the Gospel, where would you go?

Things to do:

  • Have a race:  We hear that the crowds were drawn to Jesus and they hastened to see Him.  Have a fun family race in the backyard or at a park. 
  • Looking ahead at the school year, pull out the family calendar. Make sure you have everyone’s schedules on the calendar and then discuss:
    • Is there time for everyone in the family to have quiet time alone with Jesus?
    • Is there time for everyone in the family to relax and unwind?
    • Is there a time when the family can be together for prayer?

Closing Prayer

Be Still Meditation

Meditate on these words from Psalm 46:10 today. Have one person read the line, wait a minute or two, and then read the next line. As they are reading, those listening can close their eyes, carefully breathing in and out while focusing on the words. If you want, you can play soft, instrumental or reflective music in the background.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still and know that I am.

Be still and know.

Be still.

Be.

Catholic Insights

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leads the Church always guiding His flock, His disciples in all ages and times.  The Apostles were chosen to share in Christ’s mission (CCC, 1575) and to continue to lead His Church.  We, His disciples, are reminded that we too seek to rest and be near Jesus, to hear and keep His word (CCC, 2656).

Many families feel that they are always busy. Always running from one commitment to another whether it is work, school, sports, other student activities, etc.

In the gospel we see Jesus, the Good Shepherd, remind the apostles of their need for rest. We are reminded that we need this time too, to rest with Jesus as a a family. As Domestic Churches this can be a good time to pray together and instil our faith in Jesus Christ with our children.

Saint James Feast Day is July 25th he is the Apostle James, brother of the Apostle John.  To learn more about him click here.

 

July 14, 2024 – 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “Sent, 2 by 2” based on Mark 6:7-13/Marcos 6:7-13

All pray the Sign of the Cross

All powerful and merciful Father, increase our faith in you.  When we struggle to believe, give us the courage to believe so that we may see your power at work in our lives.  Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

In today’s gospel, Jesus sent the apostles out in groups of 2 to preach and heal in His name.  He sent them with no food, no extra clothes, just what they had with them.  They relied solely on the hospitality of those they encountered on their journey. 

  • Jesus sent the apostles out two-by-two instead of sending them alone. What are the advantages of doing something with a buddy?
  • What does the Gospel tell us was the result of the disciples’ missionary work?
  • Is it easy or hard to talk about Jesus to those who don’t know him? Why?

Things to do:

  • Go on a Family Adventure:  Plan a day of fun and surprise your children with a special adventure. Anything you and your kids love to do can make for a great surprise play day.  Talk about what fun you have when you are together.  Here are some ideas to consider: A hike with a picnic, spend a day at a beack or water park, pick fruits or vegetables at a local farm, visit a zoo or aquarium, explore a museum, etc.
  • Create a Mission Statement for your Family that reflects how God is calling your family to build the kingdom of God.
  • July 17th is World Emoji Day.  Have each member of the family draw and emoji for how they are feeling today and share.  Or-have each family member draw emoji’s that represent another family member and share it with them.

Closing Prayer

Prayer for Vocations

God, in Baptism you called me by name
and made me a member of your people, the Church.
Help all your people to know their vocation in life,
and to respond by living a life of holiness.
For your greater glory and for the service of your people,
raise up dedicated and generous leaders
who will serve as sisters, priests, brothers, deacons, and lay ministers.

Send your Spirit to guide and strengthen me
that I may serve your people
following the example of your Son, Jesus Christ,
in whose name I offer this prayer.
Amen.

Catholic Insights

It can be easy as we read and study the bible to use the word “disciple” and the word “apostle” interchangeably, but there is a difference.  Disciples are students who follow a leader to learn from them how to live a particular life.  The word apostle means “one who is sent.”  Jesus chose 12 of his disciples whom he sent out on a mission to preach and heal in His name.  As apostles, sent by Jesus, they represent Jesus to the people they encounter on this mission.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he appointed the Apostle Peter to lead His Church.  The Apostles were the first leaders of the Church with St. Peter.  The successors of the Apostles are the Bishops, with St. Peter’s successor being the Pope.  Because of this apostolic succession, the Church will be inspired and preserved until the end of time. (CCC 77)

July 14th is the Feast Day of St. Kateri Tekawitha, the first Native American to be canonized. To read more about her, click here.

July 7, 2024 – 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “Jesus, Son of God” based on Mark 6:1-6/Marcos 6:1-6

All pray the Sign of the Cross

God of the covenant, from the time of Abraham and Moses until today, you have been faithful to your people. Even when we have wandered from your ways, you remain close and guide and protect us and make us your own. May we, your children, listen to your Word and rejoice to walk in your ways. Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

  • Ask each person who would they say knows them the best?
  • Why do you think the people in Jesus’ hometown rejected him? How did that make him feel?
  • Share a time when you felt rejected. How did you work through it?
  • Why do you think Jesus was unable to perform many mighty deeds when he was in his hometown?

Things to do:

  • Just like Jesus taught in the synagogue in today’s Gospel, the priest or deacon teaches us during the homily at Mass. Pay attention to the homily and share what you heard on your drive home from Church or at your next family meal.
  • Sometimes we can be mean and critical of people in our household. Make a commitment to only say kind and encouraging things to your family members this week.

Closing Prayer… I Believe

Pray together the Nicene Creed, our statement of faith in all that Jesus promises. When we pray these words, we are saying we are not like the people of Jesus’ hometown, but believe he is Jesus, the Son of God.

Name anyone who is need of prayers. Respond, “Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God.”

Amen

Catholic Insights

In this Gospel, the Nazoreans are amazed at the Jesus they thought they knew but really didn’t. Aren’t we sometimes guilty of taking someone we know and love for granted?

Even though the people in Jesus’ hometown had known him since he was a little boy, they just couldn’t believe that Jesus was the Son of God. They missed the most important thing about him. He couldn’t do much for them because they had no faith in him.

We are blessed that we know Jesus better than the people in his hometown, because we know that he is the Son of God.

Through Scripture, prayer, study and continuing to learn and service we can know Jesus even better. Amen!

Did you know?...Christianity began with a small group of disciples that followed Jesus in his earthly life. Today, there are over 2.3 billion Christians in the world (about 1/3 of the world’s population). We still have a lot of work to do to proclaim the Gospel to every creature!

June 30, 2024 – 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “Believe: You’re half way there” based on Mark 5:21-43/Marcos 5:21-43

All pray the Sign of the Cross

All powerful and merciful Father, increase our faith in you.  When we struggle to believe, give us the courage to believe so that we may see your power at work in our lives.  Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

In today’s Gospel story, when Jesus was in the crowd, many people bumped into him, but only one person touched him in faith.

  • What was the difference between how the crowd encountered Christ and how the woman encountered him?
  • What would it have been like to witness Jesus raising a twelve-year-old girl from the dead?
  • Why do you think Jesus healed Jairus’ daughter?
  • Does God still heal today?

Things to do:

  • Take time to pray for the people you know who are experiencing illness or suffering this week.
  • As a family, make cards for a member of your family, friend, or neighbor who is preparing for surgery, ill, or homebound.
  • This week we celebrate the 4th of July, Independence Day. As we celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, take some time to learn about American Saints. Read their stories together and talk about how their lives can inspire you.
  • Pray for our country by singing God Bless America.

Closing Prayer

Prayer for the Sick by St. Augustine of Canterbury

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

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight,

and give your angels charge over those who sleep.

Tend your sick ones, O Lord Christ.

Rest your weary ones. Bless your dying ones.

Soothe your suffering ones. Pity your afflicted ones. Shield your joyous ones.

Amen

Catholic Insights

In today’s gospel, we hear of two healings. One story is of a loving father whose child is ill and suffering. The other is of a woman who is desperate for healing. Both sought Jesus out for healing, believing that Jesus would heal them. While both sought the same thing, their stories could not be more different. The father was a public official who was respected in the community. The woman was an outcast because of her condition that caused her to bleed. Despite their differences, Jesus responds to both in the same way, in healing.

Jesus often used touch to heal in the gospel stories. In the Sacrament of the Sick, Jesus reaches out to touch the sick through the priest. We can receive this sacrament to strengthen us during sickness and if we are preparing for surgical procedures (CCC 1514, CCC 1515). This sacrament can be received as often as we need it. Through this Sacrament, we experience the same touch of Christ that he extended to those he healed in the gospel.

As lay people, we too are called to heal the sick. We are not able to minister the sacrament, but we can be a source of healing for those who are sick. When we visit them, pray for them, and help them in any way that lifts their spirits or increases their faith. Visiting the sick is one of the Corporal Works of Mercy (CCC 2447) which are charitable actions that we do to help others in their time of need.

June 23, 2024 – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
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Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “even wind and sea obey” based on Mark 4:35-41 /Marcos 4:35-41

Faith is born of an encounter with the living God who calls us and reveals his love, a love which precedes us and upon which we can lean for security and for building our lives.

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord of all creation, you command all elements of nature to abide by your holy plan. Protect your people as we seek refuge; grant us your peace in what can be a hectic and confusing world. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

  • Share a time when you were in a big storm. Were you scared? Did you pray to God for help?
  • What do you think it would have been like to watch the wind and sea obey Jesus’ command to be still?
  • Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
  • Have you experienced the sense of powerlessness the disciples felt? What types of situations might cause young people to feel fear or to feel like they don’t have control of a situation?
  • God worked miracles in the lives of his followers while he walked this earth, he still works miracles today. Share a time when you saw God’s hand at work in your life.

Things to do:

PLANT A GARDEN

If you don’t have a storm like we hear about in today’s Gospel, create your own garden in a dedicated space in your backyard or in pots. Plant your seeds in rich soil and water them as needed. Be sure they get the right amount of sunlight. Over time, you can watch your seeds grow and reflect on how we too are Planted by God to produce great abundance!

CAST AWAY FEAR WITH PRAYER

Write out the verse from Isaiah 41:10 on your child’s bathroom mirror using dry erase markers. Or write it in a spot that will be a daily reminder for your family to trust God in times of fear: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” – Isaiah 41:10.

Closing Prayer

Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila: Pray this prayer before bedtime to let the peace of Christ envelop your family.

Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things, Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.

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

Catholic Insights

Today’s Gospel reading tells the story of Jesus calming the storm. This can be a powerful image that many people connect with because we have all likely experienced rough times in our lives. Those situations can make us feel powerless because we have no control over them.

To see Jesus possessing the power to calm a storm reminds us to have faith in him. We also recognize the reality that our fear can control us and prevent us from being good and faithful members of the Body of Christ.

Although the reading itself may not be very long, discussions that this story prompt can often take a while and be quite worthwhile because of the universality of these types of experiences.

It is important to reinforce that while we can all relate the Gospel to the storms in our lives, we also have to ask what it means for our faith.

June 16, 2024 – 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Joyce Guris
Our Great Journey Logo

Our Great Journey

 

This week our theme is “The Kingdom of God” based on Mk 4:26-34 /Mc 4, 26-34

God has the power to turn small and seemingly insignificant things into works of great beauty, strength, and abundance. Jesus uses the image of the tiny mustard seed growing into a large plant that provides a haven for birds.

All pray the Sign of the Cross

Lord, I come into your presence with openness of heart. I know that you want to plant your seed in me and help it to bear fruit. I trust that you will pour out your mercy on me as I spend this time with you. I want to love you more and become a better instrument of your love. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

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

Things to talk about:

  • Do you have the experience of watching things in the natural world grow? How does that experience help you to know God and/or the Kingdom of God?
  • How or where are you asked to plant the seeds of God’s Kingdom?
  • Why did Jesus tell so many parables about seeds and growing? Watch this reflection video for an explanation.

Things to do:

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY

On this Father’s Day, Get to know your father, grandfather, Godfather or someone who is like a father to you better. Here are some questions you can ask to get to know more about him:

  • Where did you grow up?
  • Who was your best friend when you were in elementary school?
  • Where did you go to school?
  • What was your favorite sport growing up?
  • What is your favorite thing to do with your family?
  • How old were you when you were Confirmed? What do you remember about it?
  • What is your least favorite food?
  • Who is your favorite saint?
  • When have you felt closest to God? 

Closing Prayer

Strength of a Mountain

God took the strength of a mountain, the majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages, the power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring, the faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity, the depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it … Dad

– Author Unknown

Thank you God, for all the fathers in our lives.

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

Catholic Insights

The vast majority of those who heard this Gospel reading in biblical times would have been farmers or gardeners or somehow involved in agriculture. They would immediately recognize the wonder and mystery of growing things. Farmers and gardeners today still get to witness the miracle of plant growth even though they understand the science behind the process better. Understanding botany is one thing, but sleeping and rising night and day to find the seeds sprouting can be awe-inspiring.
We don’t have to be farmers, though, to experience how the Kingdom of God is slowly revealed. Parents have this experience when they conceive a child and are stunned by the miracle of their new baby at birth. Teachers (hopefully!) witness virtues of patience, compassion, and maturity gradually taking root throughout 180 school days in a year. Doctors and therapists have the privilege of seeing patients healing in expected and unexpected ways. Relatives and friends experience the satisfaction of watching a loved one find new life and passion in a courageous move to a second career.
Groups working for justice witness bridge-building between communities
and individuals.

As with seeds and plants, all growth takes time. The Kingdom of God doesn’t appear instantaneously. Racism, sexism, economic inequalities, etc. still cause great pain and suffering. Because God respects human free will, He doesn’t intervene and fix everything for us in a split second. What God does do is surprise us by helping the smallest of seeds to grow and flourish in time. Our task is to plant those seeds and nurture them while we watch, wait, pray, and trust that God will grow them into plants of beauty and strength.

Transfiguration