EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Narrow Door; Salvation and Rejection
Jesus passed through towns and villages,
teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem.
Someone asked him,
"Lord, will only a few people be saved?"
He answered them,
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate,
for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter
but will not be strong enough.
After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door,
then will you stand outside knocking and saying,
'Lord, open the door for us.'
He will say to you in reply,
'I do not know where you are from.
And you will say,
'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.'
Then he will say to you,
'I do not know where you are from.
Depart from me, all you evildoers!'
And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth
when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
and all the prophets in the kingdom of God
and you yourselves cast out.
And people will come from the east and the west
and from the north and the south
and will recline at table in the kingdom of God.
For behold, some are last who will be first,
and some are first who will be last."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
Blessed Niels Stensen (Feast Day September 5)
January 11, 1638-December 5, 1686
Niels Stensen (also known as Nicolas Steno) was born in Denmark and raised in the Lutheran church. He was known among medical professionals and historians. By the time Niels graduated from medical school, it was clear to everyone that Niels was a genius. His gift for understanding and exploring science and biology was evident in his work in anatomical dissection, where he discovered a salivary duct still known today as Steno's Gland. In addition to his work in anatomy and physiology, Niels advanced studies in the areas of paleontology, geology, geometry, and crystallography.
At the age of 29, Niels converted to Catholicism. In the face of disapproval from his colleagues, family, and friends, he considered his conversion to be the culmination of his intellectual journey. Niels later attended seminary and was ordained a priest, and later a bishop. He compared his work as a priest and bishop to his work as a physician. Priests are like doctors for the soul, treating spiritual illness by identifying symptoms, causes, and remedies for each individual patient. Niels felt that Jesus was the model for physicians and priests alike, as he came to heal the sick, both physically and spiritually. In his role as bishop, Niels worked to uphold the teachings of the Church, to reform the priesthood, and to encourage vocations.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
What does it mean to be saved?
Why do we need "saving"?
Do you want to be in heaven with Jesus some day? Why or why not?
Blessed Niels Stensen saw the connection between science and faith. God created the universe and everything in it, including the laws of science. How big and powerful must God be to do this?
FAMILY FUN
Compass Activity
This activity reminds us of what Jesus said, "people will come from the east and the west and the north and the south and will recline at the table in the kingdom of God." It also reminds us of our salvation.
Get some graph paper or download and print a simple grid from the Internet. Alternatively, draw a grid on a piece of paper. A grid with 9 x 9 squares works well. Find the middle square on the top row. Place a dot in the upper left corner of the square. This will be your starting point. Draw a compass with the four cardinal directions (N, S, E, W) at the bottom of the paper. Follow the directions below to create an image. Use a pencil in case you make a mistake and want to start over.
From the starting point:
1 square E
2 squares S
2 squares E
1 square S
2 squares W
4 squares S
1 square W
4 squares N
2 squares W
1 square N
2 squares E
2 squares N
Color and decorate the image. Cut it out and put it in a visible place for the week.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Ham Roll Ups
This delicious appetizer can be served in narrow slices reminding us of the narrow gate in today's Gospel.
8 to 12 oz. of thin sliced ham lunchmeat
8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
(optional) 1 bunch green onions
Remove excess moisture from ham by blotting with a paper towel. Spread the cream cheese in an even, generous layer on a piece of ham. If desired, put a green onion in the middle of the ham slice. Roll up the slice of ham tightly. Store in wax paper. Repeat until each slice of ham is rolled. Refrigerate until ready to eat. They can be served as a full roll or sliced up into narrow slices.
FAMILY PRAYER
Strength for the Journey
As a family, listen to the song Strength for the Journey. Reflect on the lyrics and how they connect to today's Gospel.
LITURGY LINK
Look at the aisle where the procession enters at the beginning of the Mass.
Would you describe it as narrow or wide?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
To enter through "the narrow gate" means listening to God and following his commandments. This week, work on the 8th commandment, which commands us not to gossip or talk badly about others. See if you can go the whole week without breaking this commandment.
FUN FACTS
The compass is one of the four great inventions from Ancient China. It was first used by the Han Dynasty between 20 BC and 20 AD. A compass uses the earth's magnetic field to show the relative direction of one of the four cardinal directions.
