EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
Jesus' Departure; Coming of the Advocate
Jesus said to his disciples:
"I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
But when he comes, the Spirit of truth,
he will guide you to all truth.
He will not speak on his own,
but he will speak what he hears,
and will declare to you the things that are coming.
He will glorify me,
because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.
Everything that the Father has is mine;
for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine
and declare it to you."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
Blessed Benedict Daswa (Feast Day February 1)
June 16, 1946-February 2, 1990
Benedict was born Tshimangadzo Samuel Daswa, into the Lemba tribe in rural South Africa. He was raised observing Jewish customs but converted to Catholicism when he was 17 years old. When he was baptized, he took the name Benedict, after the catechist who instructed him in his faith.
Benedict was a loving husband and father. He and his wife had eight children together. He worked as the principal of the village school and served on the village council. He was a faithful Catholic who helped build the parish church and was elected the pastoral council president. Because of his strong faith, Benedict refused to have anything to do with the practice of witchcraft, which was common in his village.
In 1990, Benedict's village was hit with severe weather, and lightning struck several homes. The village council wanted to pay a sangoma, or shaman, to determine who was responsible for the storms. Benedict knew that if a person were identified as a witch, he or she would be captured and killed. He refused to pay the shaman or have any part in a hunt for witches. The following week, Benedict was ambushed by angry villagers and died from his injuries. In January 2015, Pope Francis recognized Benedict as a martyr. He was beatified in Limpopo, South Africa on September 13, 2015.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
Why is it important to be truthful?
What truth is Jesus referring to in today's Gospel? Why does Jesus want to guide us to "all truth"?
If you could ask Jesus anything, what would you ask him?
Blessed Benedict Daswa lived out his faith as a husband, father, and principal. Think of your father, a father-figure in your life, or a male saint. Share how he has been an example or inspiration to you.
FAMILY FUN
Shamrock Hunt
The shamrock is often used as an analogy for the Trinity, representing the unity and distinctions of the Persons of God. This outdoor family activity will help you celebrate the Trinity.
A shamrock is a clover-like plant that grows in grassland and roadsides. Pack up the family and go on a shamrock hunt. While four-leaf clovers are symbols of good luck around the world, we are looking for three-leaf clovers to remind us of the Trinity. Go to a local park, nature preserve, pasture, or school field. The best hunting grounds for shamrocks are in patches of white clovers. Have each family member pick some clovers and some wildflowers too.
When you return home arrange the clovers and flowers in a vase or planter and use it as a table decoration for dinner.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Mango Agua Fresca
Enjoy this refreshing drink that needs three ingredients---one in two forms.
2 cups of peeled and chopped ripe mangos (About 4 mangos)
½ cup sugar
5 cups of water
3 cups of ice cubes
Place the peeled & chopped mangos, sugar, and water in your blender. Process until you have a fine and smooth texture. Pour in a large pitcher and add the ice cubes. Taste to check sweetness.
FAMILY PRAYER
Reflection on the Trinity
On this Trinity Sunday, think about each Person of the Trinity by doing an extended reflection on the Sign of the Cross.
Gather the family together for a time of meditative prayer. You may consider playing some instrumental music in the background. Bring a notebook or prayer journal to write down your reflections. Select one person to lead the meditation. Pause after each set of questions and invite family members to write or draw. Share your answers after the prayer.
In the name of the Father
- How have I encountered God's love?
- How do I feel his protection and care?
- When do I turn to him?
- How does he encourage me?
and of the Son
- What was Jesus like when he was little?
- How does Mass help me grow closer to Jesus?
- How can I grow my friendship with him?
and of the Holy Spirit
- Where has the Holy Spirit worked in my life this past week?
- How has the Holy Spirit brought me hope?
- What direction do I need from the Holy Spirit?
Amen.
LITURGY LINK
In the Nicene Creed, we describe each member of the Trinity.
Listen closely today to the words we speak.
FAMILY CHALLENGE
In honor of Father's Day, pray the Our Father prayer each day this week, reflecting on both your Heavenly Father and the father figures in your life.
FUN FACTS
The United States celebrates Father's Day on the third Sunday of June. However, many countries with a Catholic heritage, such as Portugal and Spain, honor fathers on March 19th, which is the feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary, foster father of Jesus, and patron saint of fathers.
