In this e-weekly:
-"Visions of God to Akiane Kramarik"-a MUST SEE Video in (Helpful Hints for Life.)
-Life Teen: Catholic Youth website (below the laptop)
-Love is Heart of Doctrine on the Family Says Pope Francis (Diocesan News and Beyond)
***NEW FEATURE*** BEST PARISH PRACTICE is a new section of the e-weekly (see below) ***NEW FEATURE***
-"Visions of God to Akiane Kramarik"-a MUST SEE Video in (Helpful Hints for Life.)
-Life Teen: Catholic Youth website (below the laptop)
-Love is Heart of Doctrine on the Family Says Pope Francis (Diocesan News and Beyond)
***NEW FEATURE*** BEST PARISH PRACTICE is a new section of the e-weekly (see below) ***NEW FEATURE***
Silence at Mass as chalice with Precious Blood is offered (St. Padre Pio)
Roman Catholic Good News
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
SILENCE-Silent Moments in the Mass
"Teach me, and I will be quiet." Job 6:24
Receiving the Gospel, Serving God and Neighbor
SILENCE-Silent Moments in the Mass
"Teach me, and I will be quiet." Job 6:24
Dear friends in Christ Jesus,
Once we are able to be in a silent outside, the inside must be recollected, composed. Why? So that we can hear Jesus speak to us, so that we can hear the miracles that happen at Mass, so that we can be transformed outside and inside by Jesus Christ who was Himself silent.
Interior silence is very difficult, but we must make the effort. In silence we will find new energy and true unity. The energy of God will be ours to do all things well. We will find the true unity of our thoughts with His thoughts, the unity of our prayers with His prayers, the unity of our actions with His actions, and the unity of our life with His life."
-St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Silence in the Mass, from the 'calling to mind our sins' to 'Let us pray' to the intimate silence after Holy Communion when it is Jesus and I in the midst of His Family, the Church, silence in the Mass is where you and I must enter into from NOW on.
Go to the upper room of your heart where you can recollect yourself in silence, then enter the silent parts of the Mass and be transformed for earthly service and heaven forever!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time. >>> Readings
Once we are able to be in a silent outside, the inside must be recollected, composed. Why? So that we can hear Jesus speak to us, so that we can hear the miracles that happen at Mass, so that we can be transformed outside and inside by Jesus Christ who was Himself silent.
Interior silence is very difficult, but we must make the effort. In silence we will find new energy and true unity. The energy of God will be ours to do all things well. We will find the true unity of our thoughts with His thoughts, the unity of our prayers with His prayers, the unity of our actions with His actions, and the unity of our life with His life."
-St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Silence in the Mass, from the 'calling to mind our sins' to 'Let us pray' to the intimate silence after Holy Communion when it is Jesus and I in the midst of His Family, the Church, silence in the Mass is where you and I must enter into from NOW on.
Go to the upper room of your heart where you can recollect yourself in silence, then enter the silent parts of the Mass and be transformed for earthly service and heaven forever!
Peace and prayers in Jesus through Mary, loved by Saint Joseph,
Father Robert
P.S. This coming Sunday is 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time. >>> Readings
 | July 22, 2018. The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. |
P.S.S. Readings with questions for self or family reflection found at the end of e-weekly.
P.S.S.S. A three minute video reflection on Sunday Scriptures
Homilies on Silent Moments at the Mass are found below, click with your mouse pointer on the blue lines below:
Thirsting for Silent Moments
P.S.S.S. A three minute video reflection on Sunday Scriptures
Homilies on Silent Moments at the Mass are found below, click with your mouse pointer on the blue lines below:
Thirsting for Silent Moments
Catholic Term
recollected (from Latin recolligere, recollēct-, "to gather up, to collect")
- calm and composed state of the mind and body to receive God
recollected (from Latin recolligere, recollēct-, "to gather up, to collect")
- calm and composed state of the mind and body to receive God
"Helpful Hints of Life"
Listen to God
Visions of God to Akiane Kramarik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6HLg2XUFOg
Listen to God
Visions of God to Akiane Kramarik
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6HLg2XUFOg
"The most important thing in this world is faith, because without faith, you cannot communicate with God. And it is just so beautiful up there (heaven)."-Akiane
This is a CNN spotlight of a 15 year old girl who has been drawing from age 4 and been a self-taught painter since age 6. Her mother was an atheist and never spoke of God, but Akiane has communicated visions from God and turned them into paintings and even music now. (5 minutes)
Her official website tells more about her life, has her art work and more:
http://www.akiane.com
Her Art:
http://www.akiane.com/store/
"Entering into contemplative prayer is like entering into the Eucharistic liturgy: we "gather up:" the heart, recollect our whole being under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, abide in the dwelling place of the Lord which we are, awaken our faith in order to enter into the presence of him who awaits us. We let our masks fall and turn our hearts back to the Lord who loves us, so as to hand ourselves over to him as an offering to be purified and transformed."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #2711
This is a CNN spotlight of a 15 year old girl who has been drawing from age 4 and been a self-taught painter since age 6. Her mother was an atheist and never spoke of God, but Akiane has communicated visions from God and turned them into paintings and even music now. (5 minutes)
Her official website tells more about her life, has her art work and more:
http://www.akiane.com
Her Art:
http://www.akiane.com/store/
"Entering into contemplative prayer is like entering into the Eucharistic liturgy: we "gather up:" the heart, recollect our whole being under the prompting of the Holy Spirit, abide in the dwelling place of the Lord which we are, awaken our faith in order to enter into the presence of him who awaits us. We let our masks fall and turn our hearts back to the Lord who loves us, so as to hand ourselves over to him as an offering to be purified and transformed."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #2711
 | LifeTeen.com for Catholic Youth | Leading Teens Closer to ... lifeteen.com Camp Hidden Lake. Hidden Lake is home to an incredible Catholic community, gorgeous views, welcoming meeting spaces and so much more. Dedicated to leading teens closer to Christ, we hope you'll be welcomed home to Hidden Lake soon. |
Life Teen is a movement within the Roman Catholic Church, Life Teen leads teenagers and their families into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
Best Parish Practices
START A MEN'S GROUP (Faith Sharing, Encouragement, Challenge)
Men and fatherhood is under attack today. Being men of faith and good example to others is critical for ourselves and others. Bring together a group of men in your parish or church to learn more about Christ, support one another, and help them to be the best version of themselves to their loved ones and one another.
BENEFITS:
Parishes are only as strong as their families and their marriages. Strengthening one part strengthens all. And men who know how to follow Christ, love those around them, and are strengthened in faith are tremendous blessings to their homes, parishes, and the world.
HOW?
Ask your Parish Priest for guidance and permission, especially if this will be held on parish grounds. Gather two or more men once a week or as often as you are able or would like. You might have food or drink for the gathering which allows fellowship and sharing a meal (have one participant provide it each week, or buy from local restaurant and ask for donations). And then go to:
http://www.crossingthegoal.com
START A MEN'S GROUP (Faith Sharing, Encouragement, Challenge)
Men and fatherhood is under attack today. Being men of faith and good example to others is critical for ourselves and others. Bring together a group of men in your parish or church to learn more about Christ, support one another, and help them to be the best version of themselves to their loved ones and one another.
BENEFITS:
Parishes are only as strong as their families and their marriages. Strengthening one part strengthens all. And men who know how to follow Christ, love those around them, and are strengthened in faith are tremendous blessings to their homes, parishes, and the world.
HOW?
Ask your Parish Priest for guidance and permission, especially if this will be held on parish grounds. Gather two or more men once a week or as often as you are able or would like. You might have food or drink for the gathering which allows fellowship and sharing a meal (have one participant provide it each week, or buy from local restaurant and ask for donations). And then go to:
http://www.crossingthegoal.com
Crossing the Goal
www.crossingthegoal.com
Crossing the Goal An Introduction Crossing the Goal is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to call, equip and empower Catholic men to become and stay spiritually fit in their faith through the utilization of Spiritual Fitness Workouts.
www.crossingthegoal.com
Crossing the Goal An Introduction Crossing the Goal is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to call, equip and empower Catholic men to become and stay spiritually fit in their faith through the utilization of Spiritual Fitness Workouts.
And let 4 Catholic men who have been in sports and lived their faith to this day share their story in free video or audio format as the basis of the group. Print off free booklets from under the Resources tab: 'Workout Group Questions'. Video, audio clips are broken into 5 sections which can lead your group and men present into discussion. Questions are also in workbooks if you need them. Witness of the Catholic men in the clips are inspiring, and great jumping off places for men to discuss who gather in the group. You can do one of their series; take a break for a month or two, and start another series, or go from series to series. ALL FREE!
GOD AND THE MEN OF YOUR PARISH NEED YOU TO DO THIS TODAY!
GOD AND THE MEN OF YOUR PARISH NEED YOU TO DO THIS TODAY!
Diocesan News AND BEYOND
Love is the heart of doctrine on family, Pope Francis says
By Elise Harris
Love is the heart of doctrine on family, Pope Francis says
By Elise Harris
In a message to Antillean youth, Pope Francis said love is the core of the Church's doctrine on the family, which is something every young person is responsible for carrying forward.
To understand what this love means, the pope urged young people to both read and study chapter four of his 2016 post-synodal apostolic exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia, which is dedicated to “Love in Marriage.”
“I tell you that the core of Amoris Laetitia was chapter four. How to live love. How to live love in the family,” he said, and told youth to read and talk about the chapter with each other, because “there is a lot of strength here to continue going forward” and to transform family life.
Love “has its own strength. And love never ends,” he said, explaining that if they learn how to truly love as God taught, “you will be transforming something that is for all of eternity.”
Pope Francis sent a video message to participants in the youth assembly of the Antilles Bishops Conference, which is taking place in the Archdiocese of Saint-Pierre and Fort-de-France, in Martinique, from July 10-23.
In his message, the pope asked youth whether they were really living as young people, or if they had become “aged youth,” because “if you are aged young people you are not going to do anything. You have to be youth who are young, with all the strength that youth has to transform.”
He said young people should not be “settled” in life, because being “settled” means one is at a standstill and “things don't go forward.”
“You have to un-stall what has been stalled and start to fight,” the pope said. “You want to transform, you want to carry forward and you have made your own the directives of the post-synodal exhortation on the family in order to carry the family forward and transform the family of the Caribbean,” he said.
In order to promote and carry the family forward, one must understand both the present and the past, Pope Francis said.
“You are preparing to transform something that has been given to you by your elders. You have received the history of yesterday, the traditions of yesterday,” he said, adding that people “cannot do anything in the present nor the future if you are not rooted in the past, in your history, in your culture, in your family; if you do not have roots that are well grounded.”
To this end, he told youth to spend time with their grandparents and other elderly people, and to take what they learn and “carry it forward.”
--------------------
"The Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart." -Catechism of the Catholic Church #2721
To understand what this love means, the pope urged young people to both read and study chapter four of his 2016 post-synodal apostolic exhortation on the family, Amoris Laetitia, which is dedicated to “Love in Marriage.”
“I tell you that the core of Amoris Laetitia was chapter four. How to live love. How to live love in the family,” he said, and told youth to read and talk about the chapter with each other, because “there is a lot of strength here to continue going forward” and to transform family life.
Love “has its own strength. And love never ends,” he said, explaining that if they learn how to truly love as God taught, “you will be transforming something that is for all of eternity.”
Pope Francis sent a video message to participants in the youth assembly of the Antilles Bishops Conference, which is taking place in the Archdiocese of Saint-Pierre and Fort-de-France, in Martinique, from July 10-23.
In his message, the pope asked youth whether they were really living as young people, or if they had become “aged youth,” because “if you are aged young people you are not going to do anything. You have to be youth who are young, with all the strength that youth has to transform.”
He said young people should not be “settled” in life, because being “settled” means one is at a standstill and “things don't go forward.”
“You have to un-stall what has been stalled and start to fight,” the pope said. “You want to transform, you want to carry forward and you have made your own the directives of the post-synodal exhortation on the family in order to carry the family forward and transform the family of the Caribbean,” he said.
In order to promote and carry the family forward, one must understand both the present and the past, Pope Francis said.
“You are preparing to transform something that has been given to you by your elders. You have received the history of yesterday, the traditions of yesterday,” he said, adding that people “cannot do anything in the present nor the future if you are not rooted in the past, in your history, in your culture, in your family; if you do not have roots that are well grounded.”
To this end, he told youth to spend time with their grandparents and other elderly people, and to take what they learn and “carry it forward.”
--------------------
"The Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart." -Catechism of the Catholic Church #2721
A bit of humor
Pastor's Business Card:
A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.
Therefore, he took out his business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."
Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."
Pastor's Business Card:
A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.
Therefore, he took out his business card and wrote "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."
Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."
A PRAYER IN A COUNTRY CEMETERY
DEAR Lord, here lie in their last rest, the boys and girls, the men and women that worked on the land. They knew the meaning of hard work. They knew the joy and peace that is the product of labor. Now we trust they know the peace and happiness of everlasting life with You.
They watched the sun rise often, winter and summer, over these hills and fields. They worked hard by its light, and turned willingly to their rest at its setting. Now they walk in the light of a Sun that knows no setting. Lord, if they are still in the waiting room of heaven--in purgatory--bring them speedily to the light of Your peace and the happiness of Your presence.
These men and women all their lives long labored to supply the food and drink necessary to sustain human life. Now, or soon, they enjoy in all its fullness the life that You, Lord, came down to earth to give men, and to give more abundantly.
Dear Lord, bless us who labor now in the fields and hills where these dear dead have worked. Grant that we may remember them with charity and kindness, walking reverently in the ways that they have left behind them. Grant, too, that we may finally meet these men and women, these boys and girls, in the eternal mansions that You are even now preparing for us. Amen.
DEAR Lord, here lie in their last rest, the boys and girls, the men and women that worked on the land. They knew the meaning of hard work. They knew the joy and peace that is the product of labor. Now we trust they know the peace and happiness of everlasting life with You.
They watched the sun rise often, winter and summer, over these hills and fields. They worked hard by its light, and turned willingly to their rest at its setting. Now they walk in the light of a Sun that knows no setting. Lord, if they are still in the waiting room of heaven--in purgatory--bring them speedily to the light of Your peace and the happiness of Your presence.
These men and women all their lives long labored to supply the food and drink necessary to sustain human life. Now, or soon, they enjoy in all its fullness the life that You, Lord, came down to earth to give men, and to give more abundantly.
Dear Lord, bless us who labor now in the fields and hills where these dear dead have worked. Grant that we may remember them with charity and kindness, walking reverently in the ways that they have left behind them. Grant, too, that we may finally meet these men and women, these boys and girls, in the eternal mansions that You are even now preparing for us. Amen.
"Contemplative prayer is the simple expression of the mystery of prayer. It is a gaze of faith fixed on Jesus, an attentiveness to the Word of God, a silent love. It achieves real union with the prayer of Christ to the extent that it makes us share in his mystery."
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #2724
SUNDAY MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 22nd, 2018
The First Reading- Jeremiah 23:1-6
Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds. I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD. Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: "The LORD our justice."
Reflection
The first reading is a warning to leaders — those who ignore the needs of their people and act solely in their own interests. Leaders like that will lose their positions — God won’t tolerate their selfishness. Who are those leaders today? In Church they are not just our priests, bishops, the pope as we may think, they are also us. We are all called to lead because we are baptized into the same ministry that Jesus began here. For us, it’s not so easy to say “they” are bad leaders. If people’s needs aren’t being met, it’s on all of us.
Adults -What does meeting people’s needs have to do with being a good leader? How would that translate to your place of business? Your friend group? Your family?
Teens - Do you see yourself as a leader in the Christian community? If so, how? If not, why not? What could you change to become one?
Kids - What are some simple ways you can lead people to Jesus?
Responsorial- Psalm 23: 1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Reflection
-Is there an area of your life that you are not letting God fully into?
The Second Reading- Ephesians 2: 13-18
Brothers and sisters: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become nearby the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Reflection
Paul holds Jesus’ incarnation as the model for perfect leadership — that he became God and human to offer himself for our reconciliation. Jesus brought God right up close to us, so that we could really know God. As Christians, we have to do that for others. It is our job to help save souls. Each of us, if we model our lives after Jesus, can do this. We can spark in others an interest in God when they experience God through us. Our holiness can bring people to Jesus and should.
What is one behavior you can change to be more Christ-like?
The Holy Gospel according to Mark 6: 30-34
The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Reflection
Do you ever feel like you just can’t get a break? You’re not alone! Even when you want to be! Jesus tried to take a break with his Apostles because, being God, he knows that we need rest. And He needed rest. But, when the people found out where they were going, they raced to beat him there so they could see him. Seeing how much they needed God, he couldn’t turn them away — he gave up his break and ministered to them, because they had no one else to do it. Their leaders weren’t caring for their needs. But, we can’t forget that God told us to rest, too. We’re no good to anyone if we’re too tired (physically, spiritually or emotionally). Part of good service is taking care of ourselves. God modeled this for us, and we have to make sure we do it so that we have the strength to be good leaders.
Adults -Do you take time to rest with God? How can you be more intentional about doing so?
Teens -In the midst of busy schedules, make sure that you are taking time to rest with God.
Kids - What is your favorite way to get rest? Naps? Sitting in nature? Coloring quietly?
“Christ loves and knows his sheep. He gives his life for them, and no one is a stranger to him.” -Pope Francis
-Catechism of the Catholic Church #2724
SUNDAY MASS READINGS AND QUESTIONS
for Self-Reflection, Couples or Family Discussion
The Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - July 22nd, 2018
The First Reading- Jeremiah 23:1-6
Woe to the shepherds who mislead and scatter the flock of my pasture, says the LORD. Therefore, thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who shepherd my people: You have scattered my sheep and driven them away. You have not cared for them, but I will take care to punish your evil deeds. I myself will gather the remnant of my flock from all the lands to which I have driven them and bring them back to their meadow; there they shall increase and multiply. I will appoint shepherds for them who will shepherd them so that they need no longer fear and tremble; and none shall be missing, says the LORD. Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: "The LORD our justice."
Reflection
The first reading is a warning to leaders — those who ignore the needs of their people and act solely in their own interests. Leaders like that will lose their positions — God won’t tolerate their selfishness. Who are those leaders today? In Church they are not just our priests, bishops, the pope as we may think, they are also us. We are all called to lead because we are baptized into the same ministry that Jesus began here. For us, it’s not so easy to say “they” are bad leaders. If people’s needs aren’t being met, it’s on all of us.
Adults -What does meeting people’s needs have to do with being a good leader? How would that translate to your place of business? Your friend group? Your family?
Teens - Do you see yourself as a leader in the Christian community? If so, how? If not, why not? What could you change to become one?
Kids - What are some simple ways you can lead people to Jesus?
Responsorial- Psalm 23: 1-3, 3-4, 5, 6
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
with your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Reflection
-Is there an area of your life that you are not letting God fully into?
The Second Reading- Ephesians 2: 13-18
Brothers and sisters: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have become nearby the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall of enmity, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace, and might reconcile both with God, in one body, through the cross, putting that enmity to death by it. He came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near, for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Reflection
Paul holds Jesus’ incarnation as the model for perfect leadership — that he became God and human to offer himself for our reconciliation. Jesus brought God right up close to us, so that we could really know God. As Christians, we have to do that for others. It is our job to help save souls. Each of us, if we model our lives after Jesus, can do this. We can spark in others an interest in God when they experience God through us. Our holiness can bring people to Jesus and should.
What is one behavior you can change to be more Christ-like?
The Holy Gospel according to Mark 6: 30-34
The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them,
“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.
Reflection
Do you ever feel like you just can’t get a break? You’re not alone! Even when you want to be! Jesus tried to take a break with his Apostles because, being God, he knows that we need rest. And He needed rest. But, when the people found out where they were going, they raced to beat him there so they could see him. Seeing how much they needed God, he couldn’t turn them away — he gave up his break and ministered to them, because they had no one else to do it. Their leaders weren’t caring for their needs. But, we can’t forget that God told us to rest, too. We’re no good to anyone if we’re too tired (physically, spiritually or emotionally). Part of good service is taking care of ourselves. God modeled this for us, and we have to make sure we do it so that we have the strength to be good leaders.
Adults -Do you take time to rest with God? How can you be more intentional about doing so?
Teens -In the midst of busy schedules, make sure that you are taking time to rest with God.
Kids - What is your favorite way to get rest? Naps? Sitting in nature? Coloring quietly?
“Christ loves and knows his sheep. He gives his life for them, and no one is a stranger to him.” -Pope Francis