EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
Healing of the Man with Dropsy on the Sabbath & Conduct of InvitedGuests and Hosts
On a sabbath Jesus went to dine
at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,
and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited,
noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table.
"When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet,
do not recline at table in the place of honor.
A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him,
and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say,
'Give your place to this man,'
and then you would proceed with embarrassment
to take the lowest place.
Rather, when you are invited,
go and take the lowest place
so that when the host comes to you he may say,
'My friend, move up to a higher position.'
Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table.
For every one who exalts himself will be humbled,
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Then he said to the host who invited him,
"When you hold a lunch or a dinner,
do not invite your friends or your brothers
or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors,
in case they may invite you back and you have repayment.
Rather, when you hold a banquet,
invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind;
blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you.
For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
Blessed Dina Bélanger (Feast Day September 4)
April 30, 1897-Septemer 4, 1929
Dina was born in Quebec, Canada, where her parents raised her in the Catholic faith. They were generous with their time and money, always giving to the poor and visiting the sick and the grieving. Dina went to a Catholic school run by the Sisters of Notre Dame. She was an excellent student and learned from the sisters to love prayer and to appreciate a simple life. When she was 8 years old, she started learning to play the piano. Music became Dina's way of bringing glory to God.
Dina went on to study piano at a conservatory in New York, where she became an accomplished musician. When Dina returned home, she felt called to religious life, and was received into the Congregation of Jesus and Mary in 1921. Dina taught music at the convent until she contracted tuberculosis and scarlet fever while caring for a sick child. She spent the end of her life in prayer, writing her autobiography, and composing music that she felt was an expression of her mystical union with Christ.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
What is it like to be around someone who brags a lot and thinks they are better than others?
In today's Gospel story, Jesus is trying to teach us to be humble. Why is it good to be humble?
Jesus also teaches us to do good deeds without expecting anything in return. Why is that a good thing?
Blessed Dina Bélanger continued to use her gift of music once she became a religious sister. In what way does music inspire your faith? What kind of music moves you the most?
FAMILY FUN
Form a Band
Inspired by Blessed Dina Bélanger, use your talents to make some music for the Lord.
Pick a few favorite songs or Christian hymns and pull your family together to form a band. A lot of sheet music can be found by searching the Internet. Invite family members who play instruments to use their talent. For those who do not play instruments, use items around your house to contribute. Here are some ideas:
- Use any kid's instruments you may have in your toy box.
- Turn a bowl or pot upside down for a drum and use a wooden spoon for a drumstick.
- Fill glasses with varying amounts of water. Tap them with a spoon to get different sounds.
- Use an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube filled with rice as shakers.
Work on the songs and then have a concert to share your music.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Musical Veggie Tray
Let music take the lead on this fun family snack.
Cucumbers, sliced
Baby carrots or regular carrots, sliced
Celery, sliced (or cleaned pea pods)
Bell pepper, sliced
Grape tomatoes
Arrange the vegetables on a platter to form musical notes or musical instruments. (Search the Internet for inspiration!) Alternatively, give everyone a plate and have them form musical notes with the vegetables provided. Feel free to use different vegetables.
FAMILY PRAYER
Labor Day Prayer
Reflect on the dignity of work this Labor Day weekend.
God our Creator,
we are the work of your hands.
Guide us in our work,
that we may do it, not for ourselves,
but for the common good.
Make us alert to injustice,
ready to stand in solidarity,
that there may be dignity for all
in labor and in labor's reward.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
St. Joseph, the Worker, pray for us.
(Adapted from Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers.)
LITURGY LINK
Listen carefully to the music at Mass today.
Which song was your favorite?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Many of the Psalms invite us to sing to God and praise his name. Consider adding a song to your family prayer this week. Choose your favorite church hymn or Christian song. Use YouTube or a streaming service to help you along.
FUN FACTS
Music at Mass is not used for entertainment but for worship. Music ministers must select liturgical music according to guidelines given by the Church. Music selection is tied to the Scriptures and feast days for the given day.
