EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Rejection at Nazareth
Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have come to set the earth on fire,
and how I wish it were already blazing!
There is a baptism with which I must be baptized,
and how great is my anguish until it is accomplished!
Do you think that I have come to establish peace on the earth?
No, I tell you, but rather division.
From now on a household of five will be divided,
three against two and two against three;
a father will be divided against his son
and a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter
and a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
St. Catherine of Siena (Feast Day April 29)
March 25, 1347-April 29, 1380
Catherine Benincasa was 16 when her parents tried to arrange her marriage. She had experienced mystical visions since she was young, and desired deeply to remain single and commit her life to God. Catherine was so insistent that she remain unmarried that she cut off all her hair. Finally, Catherine's parents relented, and allowed her to remain at home, living as a Dominican tertiary. Catherine lived in silence and solitude in her room for three years, until she felt the Lord calling her out of solitude and into the world. Catherine went to work helping the sick and serving the poor. Over time, Catherine's reputation as a kind and holy woman grew, and people would come to her for advice.
In addition to her work with the poor, Catherine took an active role in attempts to reform the Church. She wrote to political leaders and other influential people, admonishing them for their sinful ways, and calling upon them to change. She dictated many letters to Pope Gregory XI, imploring him to return from Avignon (and he did!), and she was instrumental in healing the schism that followed in 1380.
Catherine wrote over 400 letters in her lifetime. Her definitive work, Dialogue, is a record of her mystical visions. In her visions, Catherine describes the movement of the soul as it draws closer to God. She is most often quoted, "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire." Her writings were so influential, St. Catherine was later declared a doctor of the Church.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches us that some people will be against Jesus. If you had a friend who was against Jesus, what would you say to him/her?
Sometimes people don't understand Jesus. Why do you think people misunderstand him?
Share a time when you chose to do something good in the face of opposition.
St. Catherine of Siena says, "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire." What is God calling you to be?
FAMILY FUN
Nature Bingo
Jesus indicates that we will experience some turmoil and division because of our belief in him. This adds to the many stresses of life. Experiencing nature is a great way to destress.
Download and print nature bingo cards from https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/activities/family-fun/nature-play/nature-bingo-scavenger-hunts or a similar website. Alternatively, make cards with different nature items you may see on a walk. List all the items but make sure that each card has the items in a different box. Then go to a park or nature trail and start searching for the items on your card. When you hear a noise or see the item on your bingo board, mark it off with a pen or highlighter. The first person to get a bingo wins!
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Grilled Pineapple Skewers
Jesus talks about setting the world on fire in today's Gospel. Use fire to make these tasty treats.
¾ cup tequila
¾ cup packed golden brown sugar
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
1 large pineapple, peeled, cored, cut into 2 x 1 inch pieces
6 bamboo skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes, drained
Stir first 4 ingredients in small bowl until sugar dissolves. Thread pineapple pieces onto 6 skewers, dividing equally. Prepare grill and oil the rack (medium heat -- make sure grates are thoroughly cleaned from previous use). Grill pineapple until brown, basting with tequila mixture and turning occasionally, about 10 minutes total. Remove pineapple from skewers; serve hot or warm.
FAMILY PRAYER
Guardian Angel Prayer
Our Guardian Angels serve as our protectors and guides. Our Angel is a warrior, a strong and courageous fighter, who ranks at our side in every battle of life and protects us when we are too fragile to do it alone. Pray this prayer to bring you peace before bedtime tonight.
Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God's love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.
Amen.
LITURGY LINK
Jesus speaks of baptism in today's Gospel. Locate the baptismal font at your parish.
How would you describe it to someone who has never been to your church?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Write down this quote from St. Catherine of Sienna on a notecard "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire." Post it in your house and read it aloud each day this week. Ask God for what you need to help you grow into who you are made to be (i.e., courage, patience, etc.).
FUN FACTS
Some members of religious orders wear a rosary around their waists. This is an outward sign of their faith, but it also serves as an easy way to pray. The rosary is a great meditation but is also a powerful prayer! St. Josemaria Escriva said, "The holy rosary is a powerful weapon, use it with confidence, and you'll be amazed at the results".
