Family.

Lectionary: 283
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 
St. Peter of Verona


How important is your family? Take a look at the number of family relationship references in the readings today. 
One more thing: Paul addresses the crowd as, "My brothers, children of the family of Abraham." Jesus talks about his Father and the psalmist celebrates the Son. Salvation history takes place within the context of family. Society tries to tell you that family doesn't matter and that being a mom isn't important. However, by nurturing your family, you are doing the work of God. 
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for the gift of my family. Be with me as I do your work within my home, so that my children will know your Son and the way to you. St. Peter of Verona, pray for me. Amen. 

Building faith.

Lectionary: 282
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Catherine of Siena


St. Paul gives the Jews a history lesson in the first reading. Salvation history had many building blocks. Each generation added to what went before. 
One more thing: We are each standing on the shoulders of our ancestors. Like seaweed that rises from the depth of the ocean and grows toward the sun. Christ even speaks of the connectedness of the one He sends, to himself, and thus to God the Father. How did your parents lay the foundation for your faith and what are you doing with your own family to continue the growth towards eternal life? Please comment below! 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the cornerstone upon which I build my faith. Help me to lay a strong foundation for my children, so that they grow ever closer to you. St. Catherine, pray for me. Amen. 

It's up to you.

Lectionary: 281
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 


Jesus and God are a package deal. He tells us in the gospel that  you can't separate the two. By knowing Christ, we know God. The corollary to that is you can't know God without knowing Jesus. He sends out his message, but acting on it is up to you.
One more thing: The early church was led by the Spirit. They spread Christ's light throughout the world. What are you and your family doing to be a light in the darkness to others? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being the light of my world. Help me to reflect that light to others, especially my children. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Listen to my voice.

Lectionary: 280
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 


"No one can take them out of my hand." Christ has claimed you! You are his and no one can change that! No matter how you are persecuted or condemned or ignored or made fun of, you still belong to Christ. You are his precious child!
One more thing: As the school year winds down, we are all getting a little tired and punchy. Carpool squabbles and playground quarrels might get a little out of hand. Even the best of friends need a break from each other. Encourage your kids to listen to Christ's voice. Remind them that no matter what, they belong to him! He will lead them to do the right thing as long as they follow his voice.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to filter out all of the noise my family hears and to focus on your voice, guiding us and claiming us. We are yours! In your name I pray, Amen.

Baaaaaa.

Lectionary: 279Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


"Who was I to be able to hinder God?" Peter remains open to the Holy Spirit and follows the way the Spirit leads him. He could have dug in his heals and let his human will get in the way, but he stayed true to God's will. 
One more thing: Jesus is the good shepherd and will not lead you astray. Trust the Holy Spirit to guide you, especially when you hear the 'thieves' coming over the fence who try to distract you from being the mom God wants you to be. You know, the voices that tell you you're not living up to society's standards of a super-mom. You don't look good enough, or have your kids enrolled in enough programs, or keep your house decorated and pristine. UGH! Take a moment and be still and listen for your shepherd's voice. His is the only one that counts! 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for leading me home to you in heaven. Help me to remember to listen for your voice, when the distractions of the world overwhelm me. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Doing God's work.

Lectionary: 278
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


You might be tempted to think that living the Gospel message is all about shouting from the rooftops. Dorcas is an example of a woman quietly living the gospel right where she is. Clearly the early church viewed her work of taking care of the poor and sewing for the widows as important. Even Peter knew about her. And apparently, her work wasn't done. 
One more thing: Society has a way of telling moms that the domestic life isn't important. The bible clearly tells you something different. Taking care of the domestic church is a noble and important part of the body of Christ. You are doing God's work, even in the sometimes mundane job of Mom! 
Prayer: Father in heaven, bless the work of my hands. May taking care of my family communicate your love to them. Help me to view my work as a prayer and the domestic tasks as living out my vocation. St. Dorcas, pray for me. Amen. 

Knocked off your horse.

Lectionary: 277
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Paul must have been riding pretty high on that horse when Jesus knocked him off. Ever have days like that? You're thinking how proud you are of  yourself and what a together mom you are and out of nowhere your little one throws a hugemongous tantrum in the grocery store,  your teenager mouths off to you in front of people and you are rejected as unfit to parent an adopted dog.  Humility usually comes when we think we need it least. 
One more thing: Many people like Ananias, had doubts  about Paul. After all, they knew what his past was like. Paul just goes to prove that imperfect people can do perfect things in Christ's name. A few high-horses in your past? Let it go. Focus on what God wants you to do today, starting with being the mom He wants you to be.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to stay grounded and keep my vision focused firmly on you! St. Paul, pray for me. Amen. 

Life of the world.

Lectionary: 276
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


The bread of life: not merely earthly food, but the spiritual food that sustains us. This is the beauty of our faith: that we partake of the very food Christ gave us which is Christ himself. 
One more thing: Children's faith can be so simple and straightforward. As my daughter prepares for her first Eucharist, the complexities of the Eucharist don't even surface. It simply is, without question. As parents we are most often the teacher, but now and then,we need to step back and learn a thing or two from the kids. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of the Eucharist. Give me a hunger for the food that is the life of the world, and help me to instill that hunger into my children. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Close encounters.

Lectionary: 275
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


"I am the bread of life." The message seems so simple, yet the gospel readings this week  are really pounding home the message. Jesus is all we need!
One more thing: The first reading shows us Saul before his conversion. I'm starting to cringe a little for him knowing a close encounter with Christ is coming soon. Try serving bread at dinner and talk with your family about how they encounter Christ each day. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I love you and thank you for feeding me the food of everlasting life. Help me to see that through mothering my children I am having an encounter with you every day. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Bread of life.

Lectionary: 274
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Jesus is really trying to drive home a message in today's gospel. As Christians, we need to eat to live. Just as the Israelites were dependent on the manna sent from heaven, we too must be completely dependent on the Eucharist for our nourishment. 
One more thing: St. Stephen was the first martyr. What I admire  about this gospel passage is his complete focus on Christ. Even amidst the stoning, he is looking at Christ. It is so easy to become distracted the minute a hardship comes my way. Keeping my focus on Christ puts the challenges and circumstances in my life 
into perspective. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the food that satisfies. Help me to stay focused on you, especially during the challenges of raising children. St. Stephen, pray for me. Amen. 

Hungry?

Lectionary: 273
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 


Jesus knew the people needed to be fed. He knew they hungered for something that earthly food could not provide. He loved us so much he died so that we might partake in the spiritual food of everlasting life. 
One more thing: It's the season of first communions. What a blessed and holy time for our young people. Watching my daughter go through her sacramental preparation reminds me not to take the Eucharist for granted. It reminds me to always work for the food that endures for eternal life. The food which Christ provides for me. 
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to save us and nourish us. Help me to pass along my belief in him to my children, so that they may accomplish your works. Bless all the first communicants this Easter season, with a fire for the Eucharist. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 

Loaves and fishes.

Lectionary: 48
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel 


The third time Christ appeared to the apostles, they still did not recognize him. It was only in the sharing of a meal that they realized who He was. After his resurrection, Christ reveals himself at mealtime: on the road to Emmaus, when He asks for something to eat in the upper room, and on the shore. 
One more thing: Christ's very act of salvation for us is commemorated in a meal. This very human need to eat is elevated to a holy act. Make every meal with your family holy by sharing it together. Meal preparation can be a chore for moms, but even Christ cooked on the shore of the beach! 
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the food that you provide for my family. Help me to realize the ministry of my vocation as a mother in planning and preparing family meals. Bless our time together at the table and nourish and strengthen us so that we may always do your will. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Stormy seas.

Lectionary: 272

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 
St. Benedict Joseph Labre


As moms its hard to get a moment's peace. Even in the strangest and most remote places (think bathroom, pantry closet, attic) the kids can find you. Jesus is like that too! A stormy sea is no object to him getting to the apostles. And mom mayhem can't keep him away from you either. 
One more thing: The apostles knew that taking care of the flock's physical needs were just as important as their spiritual ones. Therefore they instituted the diaconate so that the widows were fed and cared for. You don't have to be ordained to carry out this special job. When you think diapers and dinner aren't holy, remember its just as important now as it was in the early church. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, come to me when my boat is rocking. Be with me on my stormy seas. Help me to see you clearly through the fog of my daily life. St. Benedict, pray for me. Amen. 

Of human origin.

Lectionary: 271

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 
St. Bernadette


"For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin,
it will destroy itself.
But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them;
you may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
If we seek to dwell in the house of the Lord, then what we endeavor must be of the Lord. 
One more thing: Do you ever find yourself butting your head up against a wall time and time again? For me, it's usually when I'm trying to get something accomplished. It's those times that I have to step back and evaluate if that activity or project is of the Lord. Have I taken on too much? Am I neglecting my vocation of marriage and motherhood? Is this activity going to bring me closer to the house of the Lord? 
Prayer: Father in heaven, guide my actions that they may be of you and reflect my desire to one day be with you in your house. St. Bernadette, pray for me. Amen. 

Parents.

Lectionary: 270

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 
St. Peter Gonzalez


Today's gospel makes it very clear that the way to the Father is through the Son. Though separate, they are one and you can't get to the Father without the Son. A good way to understand this is to watch your kids when they really want something. If they think you might say no, they go to the other parent who might be a little more willing. That attempt to divide and conquer never works with God. 
One more thing: Why wouldn't you want to believe in  Christ? His mercy and forgiveness and ultimate act of love draw us to him. Therefore, it's hard to understand why the Pharisees put up such a fuss. I guess sometimes our kids may be like the Pharisees. They want to believe that we are motivated out of love for them when we make decisions, but they may not yet be able to understand. Presenting a united front helps kids learn to trust and rely on you as parents. 
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to be our redeemer and show us the way to you. St. Peter, pray for me. Amen. 

Light.

Lectionary: 269

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 


The Apostles were sitting in darkness in that prison and were dazzled by the light of the angel illuminating their way to freedom. They followed that light and did as they were instructed. When you seek out the light, you can't help but live in truth. 
One more thing: Now that some of us are experiencing some mild spring evenings, use the time around the fire pit or on the patio to talk to your kids about the light of Christ. Kids are fascinated by the bugs that are attracted to the light at night. What better time to share how God so loved the world that He sent his own Son to be our light in the darkness. 
Prayer: Dear Lord, you are my light and my salvation. Help me to be a beacon of light to my family so that when they look at me they see you. In your name I pray. Amen. 

That's mine.

Lectionary: 268

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 
St. Martin I


"The community of believers was of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own." Wow! It's hard to imagine a family where no one fights over things. For our kids, there is a fine line between the need to assert their independence and individuality and becoming selfish. Hardly a day goes by that I don't hear, "Mom, he took my....; Mom she came in my.....; or Mom that's my..." How did the apostles make it work? They were all of one heart and mind!
One more thing: Promoting a sense of family oneness is hard to do if you aren't together. I just read a study on families which revealed that during time spent at home, the families were together in the same room only 14% of the time. A family identity comes from being of one heart and one mind and that comes from being together. With such busy schedules, how do you work in a little family time each day? Feel free to leave suggestions in comments below!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for my family. Help me to set the tone of love and forgiveness so that we are of one heart and mind on our journey to see you in heaven. St. Martin, pray for me. Amen. 

Born of the spirit.

Lectionary: 267

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 
St. Teresa of Los Andes


Thank goodness Christ cleared up that 'born again' thing. The thought of going through labor again makes most moms shiver! But thinking about birth makes me realize more fully what Christ was speaking of. Before birth we are comfortable, warm, completely dependent, and reactionary. After birth starts our journey of independence, knowledge, and sometimes discomfort. It's a completely different life. 
One more thing: Our lives as moms are completely different than when we didn't have children. People can see the change immediately. Can they also see the difference between living a life in the Spirit and not? 
Prayer: Dear Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I may begin each day renewed and one day see the Kingdom of God.  St. Teresa, pray for me. Amen. 

What's it going to take?

Lectionary: 266

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Jesus must have just shook his head when he walked in to see the 11 in the upper room. I can just imagine him saying,"Really guys? Really? After everything I've done and what Mary and the others told you, you still don't get it?" I wonder how often he shakes his head at us moms. I'm guessing its when I get uptight about the mess the kids make, or loose my patience with a cranky little one, or worry and fret about a teenager. It's when I don't completely and fully rely on Him in even the most mundane day to day moments. 
One more thing:The psalm reminds us that God's mercy endures forever. This week during the divine mercy novena, Christ is asking for prayers for all the souls in every condition. If yours is a little lukewarm or distant, and you've forgotten how to really believe, offer Him your soul at Mass tomorrow and rejoice in His Divine Mercy. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Thank you for your endless mercy and forgive me for my times of unbelief. Help me to fully rely on you in all aspects of my life. In your name, Amen. 

Transformation.

Lectionary: 265
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Just a few days before, Peter denied even knowing Jesus. Now we find him preaching and healing in His name. Not only does he claim to know Christ, but he stands boldly in front of the high priests and proclaims there is no other name under heaven by which we are saved. 
One more thing:  Anyone who has been up all night with a fussy baby or a late teenager can imagine the frustration Peter and the others felt at being up all night without a catch. Just when they wanted to go home and get in bed, Jesus asks them to cast their nets one more time. Ugh! They obeyed and were rewarded with an amazing catch. Do you ever feel at the end of your rope and then you hear, "Mom, can you...?" Take a minute and imagine Jesus asking you to cast your net one more time for Him as you tend to your child. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Help me to remember as I live my vocation of motherhood that I do this for you. Be there with me after sleepless nights and refresh me as you did the disciples on the beach. In your name I pray. Amen.

Peace be with you.

Lectionary: 264

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 


Jesus keeps popping up when the disciples least expect Him. No wonder they thought He was a ghost. As they begin to understand the scriptures and the reality of a resurrected Christ, they gain confidence to preach and heal in His name. 
One more thing: This week's readings have been about seeing the resurrected Christ. Where and when do you see Christ? Have you imagined Him walking with you this week? Do you find the more you look for Him the more He seems to 'pop up' in your life just when you need him? Feel free to share in the comment section below. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, the disciples saw you clearly after your resurrection. Help me to seek and find you alive in my daily walk as a mom. In your name I pray, Amen. 

The breaking of the bread.

Lectionary: 263

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel 
John Baptiste de La Salle


"he was made known to them in the breaking of the bread." Again today we find Christ's disciples unable to recognize Him resurrected among their midst. Are you ever so overwhelmed by your own life drama that you can't even find Christ? He is always there for you, ever present in the Eucharist. 
One more thing:  Try to imagine the resurrected Christ walking with you this week as He did in Emmaus. He's in the passenger seat when your are driving the kids to school and practice; sitting at the counter while you prepare the family meals; and with you while tucking the kids into bed at night. 
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for walking with me this week. Help me to give to my family that which is you, just as Peter and John did. St. John Baptiste, pray for me. Amen. 

Called by name.

Lectionary: 262
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Celestine


Mary was so sad at the loss of Christ. She felt completely abandon and alone. And yet, there He was, by her side the whole time. She only recognized Him when he called her by name. 
One more thing: Do you ever feel that God has abandoned you? Sometimes parenting can be a difficult and lonely job. Remember that Jesus is there beside you all the time. He may even be calling your name! When your patience is thin, take a moment to look for Christ. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you were there for Mary in her loneliness. Help me to remember that you are here helping me through the joys and challenges of parenting. In your name I pray. St. Celestine, pray for me. Amen. 

Honoring women.

Lectionary: 261

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel


Jesus appeared first to the women! What an honor He bestowed on our gender. And the women did Him homage and were His messengers. 
One more thing: Christ chose a special place for the women in His new church. They bore His message of the resurrection to the others. Christ still counts on you to do the same by teaching your family about Him!
Prayer: Thank you Jesus for the very special gift of motherhood. Help me to be your messenger and share the good news with my family. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Alleluia!

Lectionary: 42, Gospel: 41 or 46
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2

Gospel

Easter Sunday

Today is a day of celebration! Christ has died and now is risen for you! Rejoice and be glad!

One more thing: If there were ever a day for spending time with your family, today is the day! Spring is here and the lovely weather and blooming flowers remind us of a new life in the resurrected Christ. Make today a special celebration of Christ's love for you and your family. 

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to save me. Help me to share the joy of the resurrection with my family every day. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. 

Waiting.

John 19:38-42

"After this, Joseph of Arimathea,

secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews,

asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus.

And Pilate permitted it.

So he came and took his body.

Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night,

also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes

weighing about one hundred pounds.

They took the body of Jesus

and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices,

according to the Jewish burial custom.

Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden,

and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried.

So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day;

for the tomb was close by."


Today's lectionary is from the Easter Vigil mass, so I have included this passage from Friday's passion gospel. It's a great one to meditate on today as we wait for the resurrection. My favorite thing to do with the kids today is to prepare resurrection rolls. I take frozen roll dough and let it thaw and rise according to package directions. I then let the kids punch down and flatten each roll and fill with a large marshmallow which has been rolled in butter and then cinnamon sugar. Be sure to seal the dough around the marshmallow well or it will seep out while baking. I place each roll in a muffin tin, just in case the marshmallow does leak, then let the second rise happen in the fridge overnight. Pop them in the oven in the morning and bake according to package directions. When they are done, the rolls will be sweet and hollow on the inside. You can also use refrigerated crescent rolls and make them in the morning with no rising. I advise using two triangles per marshmallow and bake according to package directions. 


The marshmallow symbolizes Jesus and the cinnamon sugar the spices they used to prepare his body. The roll is the tomb. When the rolls are done, the hollow center represents his rising and the sweetness our new life in a resurrected Christ. 


Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for your rising. Help me to show my kids the joy of this new life in you. Amen. 

No greater love.

Lectionary: 40

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Good Friday

"For we do not have a high priest

who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,

but one who has similarly been tested in every way,

yet without sin." 

Whatever your shortcomings, Christ knows. Whatever your hurts, Christ knows. Whatever your challenges, Christ knows. 

One more thing: Today is not about sorrow, but about love. A greater love no man hath, than the love Christ has for you. Share the message of that love with your kids today! 

Prayer: I adore you oh Christ, and I bless you, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world! Amen. 

A model to follow

Lectionary: 39

Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2

Gospel

Holy Thursday

"As I have done for you, you should also do." Christ did so much more for us than just wash the feet of the apostles. He gave his very life for us! He also dined with sinners, showed compassion to the lowly, and comforted the sorrowing. He fed the multitudes, was never too busy for the children, and healed the sick. As a mom, you have so many opportunities to model Christ, doing just what He did! What better way to teach your kids about Him?

One more thing: If you have the opportunity to attend the Holy Thursday service tonight, please do! Especially if you have never attended before. Sure it might be a late night, but the kids don't have school the next day. Watching the clergy washing the feet of the new candidates and catechumens is so beautiful! 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to model you and serve my family at every opportunity. In your name I pray, Amen.