EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Second Prediction of the Passion and The Greatest in the Kingdom
Jesus and his disciples left from there and
began a journey through Galilee,
but he did not wish anyone to know about it.
He was teaching his disciples and telling them,
“The Son of Man is to be handed over to men
and they will kill him,
and three days after his death the Son of Man
will rise.”
But they did not understand the saying,
and they were afraid to question him.
They came to Capernaum and, once inside the
house,
he began to ask them,
“What were you arguing about on the way?”
But they remained silent.
They had been discussing among themselves on the
way
who was the greatest.
Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to
them,
“If anyone wishes to be first,
he shall be the last of all and the servant of
all.”
Taking a child, he placed it in their midst,
and putting his arms around it, he said to them,
“Whoever receives one child such as this in my
name, receives me;
and whoever receives me,
receives not me but the One who sent me.”
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
St. Rais (Feast Day September 23)
c. 303
Rais was an Egyptian maiden. According to one account, she was the daughter of a Christian priest living in Alexandria, Egypt. At age twelve, she was sent to live in a women's monastery at Tamman. During a time of widespread persecution of Christians during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian, she went to a well to draw water with other nuns. On the way, they saw a ship with a group of nuns, monks, and other Christians in chains on their way to torture and death. By God's grace, Rais was touched by a desire to suffer for the Lord. Rais confessed herself to be a Christian, berated the abusers, and insisted that they kill her as well if they were killing Christians. She was immediately imprisoned with the others. They were all taken to the Egyptian town of Antinopolis, where Rais was the first of the group to be beheaded.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
· Why was it hard for the disciples to grasp the idea that Jesus would be killed?
· What does Jesus mean when he says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all”?
· Share a time when you have welcomed someone “in Jesus’ name,” that is, for the sake of Jesus.
· St. Rais had a desire to suffer for the Lord. Do you know anyone who is willing to endure hardships for the Lord? Tell a story about this person.
FAMILY FUN
Camping
As Jesus and his disciples traveled around Galilee, they most likely camped a lot. Turn your backyard into your own personal campsite! It’s a fun and easy way to experience the great outdoors in a way that Jesus did. Create a backyard camp by pitching a tent, setting up camping chairs around a fire or a camping stove, and cook up some delicious campfire recipes. Turn off technology and enjoy the great outdoors. If the weather is bad, set-up a campground inside your home. Don’t forget to sing your favorite camp songs!
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Ancient Appetizers
Serve food that your family’s favorite Bible heroes ate. Make a first century Palestine “charcuterie” board by creating a plate of appetizers that includes rustic loaves of bread or crackers, including those made with ancient grains, such as spelt or millet. Finger foods include dried fruits such as figs, dates or apricots, and sliced olives. Ensure that pits are fully removed for the safety of small teeth. Add some hummus and pita bread and enjoy!
FAMILY PRAYER
Praying with Music
As a family, listen to the Song of the Cross (Love lifted on the Cross). You should be able to find the song on YouTube or wherever you stream music. Reflect on the lyrics what Jesus’ death and resurrection mean to you.
LITURGY LINK
Who comes in during the procession at the beginning of Mass? Who is first and who is last?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Look for as many opportunities as possible this week to put someone else's needs before your own.
FUN FACTS
In ancient society, children were viewed as nonpersons who had no legal rights or status of their own. To receive a little one is to accept, lovingly serve and care to for those who need it and cannot repay it.
