EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Parable of the Persistent Widow
Jesus told his disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, "There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.'"
The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
St. Jane Frances de Chantal (Feast Day August 12)
January 23, 1572-December 13, 1641
After her mother died when Jane was only 18 months old, Jane was raised by her father in Dijon, France. At the age of 21, she married Baron Christopher de Chantal. Sadly, Jane's husband died in a hunting accident, leaving her alone with four young children. Jane was forced to move in with her overbearing father-in-law and was ruled over by a wicked and arrogant servant. She prayed for someone to guide her through her grief.
A few years later, Jane met the then-bishop of Geneva, Saint Francis de Sales. He became Jane's spiritual director, and the two developed an enduring friendship. Jane worked with Francis to establish the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. The religious order grew, and Jane's reputation for being both pious and sound in her management skills won them financial support from many aristocratic women. Jane experienced much suffering as she continued her work with the Visitation Order: her beloved friend and spiritual director, Francis died in 1622, she also lost her son, daughter, and son-in-law. France suffered greatly from the plague. Jane worked tirelessly to aid the sick and dying and spent the rest of her life at the service of those in need. At the time of her death, she had founded 86 monasteries.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
How often do you pray? Share a memorable prayer experience you have had.
Do you think God gets tired of listening to our prayers? Today's Gospel helps us to arrive at the correct answer.
God knows all our needs. Why do you think he still wants us to pray?
St. Francis de Sales was a spiritual companion to St. Jane Frances de Chantal. Who do you talk to about your faith?
FAMILY FUN
Play Mass
Jesus talks about the necessity to pray always. One way the Church does this is by celebrating Mass.
Pretend to celebrate Mass at your house. Give everybody a part (Priest, Deacon, Lector, Server, Usher, Cantor, Sacristan, Congregation Member, etc.) or act it out using stuffed animals or dolls. Set up a space and collect things around the house to use while you play.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Croque Monsieur Sandwiches
In honor of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, enjoy these tasty sandwiches from France.
Sauce:
¼ cup butter, unsalted
¼ cup flour
1 ½ cups milk
salt and pepper
¼ tsp Dijon mustard (or honey mustard)
dash of ground nutmeg
Sandwich:
8 slices of white sandwich bread
8 slices of ham
6 oz. gruyere cheese
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and stir continually for about three minutes to avoid lumps. Add milk gradually, continuing to stir so that the mixture stays smooth until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper for taste. Remove from heat and whisk in nutmeg and mustard. Set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 425 F. On four pieces of bread, spread the sauce and put on baking sheet. Layer 2 pieces of ham, some gruyere and parmesan cheese. Spread the sauce on the remaining pieces of bread and lay those on top, sauce side up. Add the rest of the cheese to those pieces and bake for 5 to 6 minutes. If desired, add 2 minutes under the broiler. Enjoy!
FAMILY PRAYER
Personal Intentions
Today we are encouraged to pray persistently. Pray as a family for your personal intentions.
Before you begin prayer, write down everyone's prayer intentions. Include intentions for yourself and others.
Lord Jesus, in today's Gospel, you encourage us to bring our needs to you. Listen to the prayers we bring before you this day.
[Read the list of prayer intentions that you compiled.]
Thank you ahead of time for hearing us and answering these according to your will.
Amen.
LITURGY LINK
We ask God for many things during Mass, especially during the Prayers of the Faithful, to which we answer, "Lord, hear our prayer."
What was included in today's Prayers of the Faithful?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Take the list of prayer intentions you made during the Family Prayer and post them in a visible place. Include these intentions as part of your individual prayer or mealtime prayer each day.
FUN FACTS
The fourth Saturday of October is Make a Difference Day.
Do something to make a difference that day!
