Look up.

Lectionary: 27

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

Moses counted the stars, and James, Peter and John looked up and saw Christ transfigured. When you look up to the sky, be reminded that your citizenship is not of this world, but in heaven. 

One more thing: Our goal is to get to heaven. Our duty is to do all we can to get our children to heaven. Jesus gives us a glimpse of what heaven looks like in the transfiguration. Take a moment today and look up at the sky with your kids. Watch the clouds and talk about what heaven might look like. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to keep my eyes focused on my heavenly reward. Help me to do all I can to ensure my children get to heaven. Amen. 

Laying down the law.

Lectionary: 229

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

In today's gospel, Jesus lays down the law. God loves everyone, the good and the bad. To love as God does, Jesus tells us we must also love our enemies. 

One more thing: Who persecutes you? It's hard today to consider having 'enemies' but our kids watch how we treat everyone we encounter. Think about how you react to the driver who cuts you off, the rude person in the restaurant, or the bag boy who puts your fruit in the sack under the can ned goods. Your actions will teach this lesson louder than any words. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to walk in your ways and observe your decrees. Help me to treat everyone with the love you have for each of us. Amen. 

That's not fair!

Lectionary: 228
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Reading 2
Gospe


Today's readings tell us about how God views justice. Our lives are a forward progression. We can neither coast on yesterday's good deeds, nor count on tomorrow's. Its what we do today that counts. 
One more thing: God's mercies renew each day for us. Its important to let our kids start each day with the same clean slate. 
Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to live today doing what is right and just in your eyes. Amen.

Knock, knock.

Lectionary: 227

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

In today's reading, Queen Esther is a desperate woman. She is between a rock and a hard place and is being called to do something she knows she can not accomplish on her own. Motherhood feels like that sometimes! In this situation, Esther goes to the only one who can help her and throws herself at His feet.

One more thing: In the gospel, Jesus assures that whatever you need He will give to you. Find a crucifix in your home and kneel at the feet of Jesus today. Ask Him for whatever you need to become the mom He wants you to be. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, today I cry out for your help, confident that you will answer me. Thank you for loving me so much that you answer me every time I ask. In your name I pray, Amen. 

Something greater.

Lectionary: 226

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

Jonah preached to the Ninevites and they immediately repented. So when Jesus comes to earth, He is astounded that people will not repent. All that is needed to obtain God's mercy is to have a contrite and humble heart. 

One more thing: We all mess up. Sometimes, really big! When our kids make mistakes, especially ones that are hurtful, it may be hard to forgive them. God calls us as moms to be like Him and show unending compassion and forgiveness to our children. 

Prayer: Dear Lord,  I am truly sorry for the times I have sinned against you. Thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Help me to show that same compassion to my family. Amen. 

Our Father.

Lectionary: 225

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

St. Margaret of Cortona

Isaiah tells us today that God's word is not empty, but achieves what it was sent to do, always. Wow. Regardless of whether you have five minute or fifty minutes to spend reading the word today, it will accomplish in you what God intended. 

One more thing: Do your kids ever come to you to find out the best way to approach their dad about something? (or maybe visa-versa?) By knowing their dad so intimately, you might know the best way to say something to really get his attention. Christ does the same for us by giving us the Lord's Prayer. Try saying this prayer slowly and intentionally with your family today. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let my heart be a fertile ground where your word can blossom and grow. St. Margaret, pray for me. Amen. 

The Lord is my shepherd.

Lectionary: 535

Reading 1

Responsorial Psalm

Reading 2

Gospel

The Chair of St. Peter

You are the shepherd of the domestic church. As such, the first reading is speaking to each and every parent. St. Peter tells us to tend to the little lambs in our midst by being examples.  How are you being an example of Lenten devotion to your family? 

One More Thing: When your family gets the gimmes, recite today's psalm. Even in the toy aisle at the super-mart, it brings everything into perspective. After all, when we have the Lord, what else do we really need?

Prayer: Dear Lord, you lead me to every good thing. Help me to always hear Your voice and follow you. St.  Peter, pray for me. Amen.