EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Jesus addressed this parable
to those who were convinced of their own righteousness
and despised everyone else.
"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;
one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector.
The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,
'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --
greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'
But the tax collector stood off at a distance
and would not even raise his eyes to heaven
but beat his breast and prayed,
'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'
I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;
for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
St. Richard Pampuri, O.H. (Feast Day May 1)
August 12, 1897-May 1, 1930
Erminio Filippo Pampuri was born the tenth of eleven children in Trivolizi, Italy. As a child, Erminio wanted to become a priest, however his uncle, who was a doctor, encouraged him to pursue medicine. While studying to become a doctor, Erminio joined his college's Club for Catholic Action, Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and enrolled as a tertiary Franciscan.
When World War I began, Erminio's studies were interrupted, and he was sent to work in field hospitals, and later trained as an officer in the medical corps. When he graduated from medical school, he went to work as a doctor, but he continued to play an active role in his community, assisting at the local parish with the Parish Missionary Aid Society. As a physician, he offered free medical care to the poor and was known for his willingness to help anyone in need, day or night.
In 1927, Erminio joined the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, a religious order dedicated to aiding the sick. He was given the religious name Riccardo. After taking his vows in 1928, Brother Richard worked at the St. John of God Brother's Hospital, where he was known for serving others with kindness and compassion. Three years later, Brother Richard became ill with pleurisy, which he first contracted during World War I, and his health declined quickly. He died at the age of 33.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
In today's Gospel story, one person is proud, and the other is humble. Which one is Jesus lifting up as an example of prayer? Explain your answer.
Why is the tax collector (rather than the Pharisee) the more unlikely person to be an example of prayer?
Think of a person you know who is humble. Describe this person to your family and share why you like him/her.
St. Richard Pampuri, O.H. always kept Jesus at the center of his life, as a student and as a doctor. Is Jesus the center of your life?
FAMILY FUN
Vocation Charades
St. Richard Pampuri served in a variety of roles throughout his life. This game of charades will not only reveal your family members' career or vocational dreams but also give you a chance to have fun too!
Invite each person to think about their dream job or vocational calling. On separate slips of paper, have them write the top three jobs or vocations that they think would make them happy. Parents are invited to dream about a new career. Parents can also help younger children come up with their dream jobs based on their interests and talents. Place the slips of paper in a bowl, and let the charades begin. One person takes a slip from the bowl and acts out the job/vocation. Everyone else guesses the answer. Whoever guesses correctly first gets to go next. Before the next turn, discuss who you think wrote that career down, and invite the person who did to share why they chose it. Look for opportunities to explore various vocations (priesthood, religious life, marriage, single life).
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds have lots of health benefits. Enjoy this snack in honor of St. Richard Pampuri.
1 pumpkin
Extra virgin olive oil
Spices (salt, garlic powder, paprika, pepper, or cinnamon sugar, etc.)
Scoop the pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin. Remove the pulp and stringy fibers. Rinse the seeds in water and drain. Dry the seeds with a towel. Toss the seeds in a bowl with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Lay them in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Bake at 350 F for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing every 5 minutes. When the seeds give a nutty aroma and are a golden-brown color, they are ready!
FAMILY PRAYER
Litany of Mercy
Pray this as a family imitating the tax collector in today's Gospel. Divine Mercy is a form of God's compassion. Learn more about Divine Mercy under the Family Prayer entry on April 24th.
Pick a prayer leader to read each of the phrases below. After each phrase, everyone else responds with, "I trust in you."
Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the heart of the Father
Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God
Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery
Divine Mercy, from which comes all life and happiness
Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders
Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe
Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of Jesus
Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of Jesus
Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners
Divine Mercy, in the founding of the Holy Church
Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ
Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life
Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death
Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life
Divine Mercy, accompanying us every moment of our life
Divine Mercy, shielding us from evil
Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery
Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy
Divine Mercy, sweet relief for anguished hearts
Divine Mercy, only hope of despairing souls
Divine Mercy, peace amidst fear
Divine Mercy, delight of holy souls
Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope
Let us pray:
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.
(Adapted from https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/devotions/litany-to-the-divine-mercy-263)
LITURGY LINK
When the tax collector prayed, he acknowledged his sin and asked God for mercy.
At what point during Mass do we do the same?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
This week, we will celebrate All Saints' Day.
Pick your favorite saint and ask him or her to pray for you this week.
FUN FACTS
In Jesus' time, the Roman government collected taxes from people who lived in their territories. Tax collectors were known to overcharge people so they could keep the extra money for themselves. That's why they were hated by the Jews.
