EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Messengers from John the Baptist & Jesus' Testimony to John
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
"Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?"
Jesus said to them in reply,
"Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
"What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women
there has been none greater than John the Baptist;
yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
St. Rose of Lima (Feast Day August 23)
April 20, 1586-August 24, 1617
St. Rose was born in Lima, Peru. She admired St. Catherine of Siena and was devout in her faith practices, such as fasting regularly, performing secret penances, and receiving the Eucharist daily.
She did not want to marry, but her parents refused to let her enter a convent to become a nun. So, while she lived at home, she joined the Third Order of St. Dominic. She devoted as much time as she could to prayer, even giving up sleep to pray more. She only slept about two hours each night. She wore a thick silver crown on her head, with studs on the inside, like a crown of thorns. She was incredibly devoted to Christ and lived a life of prayer.
To help her family, Rose sold flowers during the day and sewed. She also built a small hut in the family garden to care for the elderly, homeless children, and the sick. All were welcome. This led to the start of social services in Peru.
Rose died at the age of 31. It is said that the city smelled like roses at the time of her death. The leaders of the city attended her funeral. Many miracles were attributed to her after her death. There are places all over North and South America that are named Santa Rosa after her. She is the first person to be canonized who was born in the Americas.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
John seems to have experienced some doubt about Jesus when he was arrested for his preaching. What evidence does Jesus give that he is in fact the long-awaited Messiah?
What would it be like to witness a blind person regain their sight or a lame person walk?
Jesus praises the work that John has done in preparing the way for him. What is something that Jesus praises you for?
St. Rose of Lima's small acts of kindness led to larger ways to serve even more people in all of Peru. What are some small acts of kindness that have had a large impact on you?
FAMILY FUN
Stained Glass Windows
In Gothic architecture, a rose window is a circular stained-glass window. It is a prominent feature in many old churches. Create a rose window in honor of St. Rose of Lima.
Search the Internet for rose window templates. You can trace the template on a piece of paper and color it in. Alternatively, you can create one with black construction paper and tissue paper. Search YouTube for videos on how to make these. Hang it in your window or another spot that gets sunlight. Consider laminating it to use as a decoration for years to come.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Church Window Cookies
Make some cookies that look like stained glass windows today!
1 package (12 oz.) chocolate chips
1 package (10 oz.) miniature pastel-colored marshmallows
¼ cup salted butter or oleo
1 cup walnuts or pecans
1 package (14 oz.) shredded coconut
Melt butter and chocolate chips over low heat. Stir constantly. Once blended together, let cool for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, stir the cooled mixture over the marshmallows. Add the nuts and blend well. Sprinkle coconut generously on a piece of wax paper. Then form a roll with the mixture approximately 2 ½ inches wide on the wax paper; make 2 to 4 rolls. Wrap tightly in wax paper or foil; leave enough paper to twist the ends like a candy wrapper. Chill or freeze. Slice to serve.
FAMILY PRAYER
Glorious St. Rose
As we journey through Advent, pray this prayer, calling on the intercession of St. Rose of Lima.
Glorious St. Rose of Lima,
you who knew what it was to love Jesus
with such a fine and generous heart.
You, whom since infancy,
despised the world's vanities in order to embrace His Cross.
You who loved, with unfailing devotion,
our Heavenly Mother
and professed a great tender dedication to the destitute,
serving them the same way Jesus did.
Teach us to imitate your greatest virtues,
so that we, following your example,
can enjoy your glorious protection in Heaven.
For Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever.
Amen.
LITURGY LINK
The third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday often symbolized with the color rose or pink.
Where do you see this color at your parish today?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Invite someone to go to Christmas Mass with you. Ask now so that you can plan when to go together.
FUN FACTS
While religious communities are for religious priests, brothers, and sisters, many also have a third branch (or third order). A third order is for lay people who do not take vows but embrace the spirituality of the order and support them through prayer, gifts of money, and good works.
