Counter cultural.

Lectionary: 259

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Responsorial Psalm

Gospel

Christianity doesn't seem very popular in some circles today. The family is attacked in the media and on the street. You may even feel pressure from your family of origin about being "too religious". Jesus knew what it was to be persecuted, yet He persevered because He was doing the work of His Father. 

One more thing: The prophet Isaiah reminds us "The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced." By being a mom, you are doing God's work too! Keep up the observance of Holy Week with your family by remembering Christ's passion, and hold strong in your observance of Easter as a celebration of Christ's rising. Remind the kids that the Easter bunny is just a guest at the party. Once again, Jesus is the reason for the season! 

Prayer: Dear Lord, in your great love, answer me. Help me to keep my family focused on your death and resurrection this week, so that we may shine like flint and proclaim your good news to others by our example. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Followers.

Lectionary: 258

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Gospel

St. John Climacus

"Mom, where are you going?" Our little ones always want to be with us. Even when they are bigger, sometimes you have to remind them, where I am going, you can't come. You know, places like the shower. That's what I'm reminded of by today's gospel. The apostles wanted to spend every moment with Christ; they wanted to follow him everywhere. Do you have that same drive to follow Christ and be in his presence always? 

One more thing: Even though Jesus knew what was going to happen, he still handed Judas the morsel. He loved you so much. He loves your children that much too. Follow him always. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, as I walk with you this week through your passion, I am reminded of just how much you love me. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for my salvation. Keep me by your side always. In your name I pray, Amen. 

A special role.

Lectionary: 257
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
Saint Secundus


"He shall bring forth justice to the nations. Not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street." He simply will do it; bring justice and lead by example. Clinging to the Lord as our light and our salvation, we simply must plod along, quietly, faithfully, living the life of family we have been called to. 
One more thing: Are you a Mary or a Martha? Note in the gospel the role of each sibling. Martha served; Lazarus reclined conversing with Jesus; Mary simply and quietly anointed Christ's feet. Each fulfilled the role they were called to do, just like each of your children fulfills a role in your family. The next time life's "not fair" among siblings, remember this bible story. Remind your kids that each has a special and unique role in your family life, and in how they serve Christ. 
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the uniqueness of each of my children. Help me to appreciate the special role each of them plays in our family. St. Secundus, pray for me. Amen. 

Palm Sunday.

Lectionary: 38
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospel
Palm Sunday


"The Lord God is my help," even in times of utter despair, like Jesus must have felt after he fell. When others ridicule you or mock you, especially for your efforts to raise a holy family, God is there. 
One more thing: Palm Sunday begins Holy Week, a time of great blessings. Read the gospel daily with your family and say the stations of the cross with your children this week. Try saying the stations outside with your kids to keep them engaged. As you walk through the yard or park, stop at each tree or other landmark and reflect on a new station.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me so that I may be with you forever in heaven. Help me to stay focused on your sacrifice this week, and to make this week truly holy for my family. In your name I pray, Amen.  

Divided.

Lectionary: 256

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Gospel

Blessed Francis Faa di Bruno.

The children of Israel were divided. God promised to reunite them, just as a shepherd takes the scattered sheep and corrals them. The division of the Jews continued in Jesus' day, when they were physically united, but divided on what to make of Jesus. 

One more thing: Division among children is part of human nature. However, God is the great unifier. If sibling rivalry is an issue in your house, use the good Shepherd to bring everyone together through prayer and example. He gave us the great commandments, and sometimes kids need a reminder that loving your neighbor means the people in your own house too. 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for being our shepherd. Bring my family closer to God by helping us to live a life full of love for each other. St. Francis, pray for me. Amen. 

Sticks and stones.

Lectionary: 255
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Lucia Filippini


Little girls have a tendency to be fickle. Someone might be your BFF one day and talk about you on the playground the next. Sadly, some little girls never grow up. As moms, we sometimes have to tiptoe through the political land-mines of our kid's friendships. Jeremiah knew what this felt like. Yet he remembers the Lord is with him and praises Him for his protection and faithfulness. 
One more thing: Jesus too knew how it feels to have friends turn against you. Our job as moms is to teach our children how to be true friends who show the love of Christ. The best way for us to teach this is to model healthy friendships ourselves. 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you know how fickle the human heart can be and the sting of betrayal. Help me to support my children as they make friends and to show them healthy, loving relationships with my own friends. St. Lucia, pray for me. Amen. 

Saying yes.

Lectionary: 545

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Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

The Annunciation

If you knew what we were getting into when you said 'yes' to motherhood, would you still do it? I've no doubt had Mary seen what lie before her, she would have done it anyway. Her faith in God was that strong and her love for Christ the moment the idea of Him was presented to her, became unshakeable. 

One more thing: Mary felt the same joys and pains of motherhood that you feel. She knows acutely all of the ups and downs. She also knows that when you say 'yes' to God, great things happen. And that her Son will be there with you through it all.

Prayer: Dear God, I willingly and openly say yes to you each day and thank you for the gift of motherhood. You know perfectly what my children need and when they need it. Help me to be the mother you desire me to be. Mary, my mother, pray for me. Amen.