Sunday, May 5, 2013

Readings:

Acts 15:1-2, 22-29; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 ; Rev 21:10-14, 22-23; Jn 14:23-29

Reflection:  Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure and ascension into heaven.  He reminds us of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the amazing guidance and wisdom we can receive from listening to the Holy Spirit.  He also tells the disciples “peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”  Jesus continues to provide us with great peace through our knowledge of the faith and our hope in the glory of heaven.  Our peace comes through knowledge of and acceptance of the truth of Jesus and the truth of His Church.  While we may not always feel peace in our hearts, and we might at times experience stress and anxiety, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus continually offers us peace if we seek Him.  He does not offer us the fleeting peace of this world, but the everlasting peace of our life in heaven.

Big Picture:  Peace of heaven, not peace of worldly measures

Discussion Starters:

Younger saints:  What does Jesus tell His disciples?  (“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”)  How do we have peace in Jesus?  (By knowing about His life and accepting the truth He taught us and the truth the Catholic Church continues to teach us.)  What is the greatest peace Jesus gives us?  (Knowing we will be with Him in heaven one day.)

Older saints:  What does it mean to you to have peace?  Does it mean you will never be anxious or experience stress in your life?  Do you experience peace in your faith and your understanding of the truth of the teachings of the Catholic Church?  Do you experience peace in knowing you will be in haven with our Lord one day?

Scripture Verse for the Week:  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”  John 14:27

You are now entering the mission field:  Make a habit of praying for the souls of the deceased when you drive past a cemetery (Spiritual work of mercy:  to pray for the living and the dead).

 

Notes:

 

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 16:1-10; PS 100:1b-2, 3, 5; Jn 15:18-21

Reflection:  Too often we try to fit in and conform to the world, but we have been called to stand out.  “Because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you.”  But, we are not alone, many have gone before us and suffered greater persecution than we ever will.  We can always find strength in knowing that the world hated Jesus, but God glorified Him in heaven.  If we conform and fit in we will receive praise and gifts in this world, but if we stand out boldly for Christ we will receive grace and blessings and a place with God in heaven.

Reflection for younger saints:  People sometimes dislike us and treat us in unkind ways because we love and serve God.  We can find strength in knowing people were unkind to Jesus too.  One day we will be in heaven, and none of their unkind words will matter anymore.

Big Picture:  We do not belong to the world.

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Who should we try to serve and honor:  the opinions of people around us or God?  Will others always be kind to us?  Were people always kind to Jesus?  Who do we find strength in when others treat us poorly?
     Older saints:  Reflect on the statement that “you do not belong to the world.”  Are you living your life for this world?  Or are you living your life for heaven?  How do you think those around you would answer those questions?

Fun Fact:  The ninth commandment is:  Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.  In this we are commanded to guard our thoughts and desires about others (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 98).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Florian
     What they are remembered for:  St. Florian was an officer in the Roman army who was martyred for his faith during the reign of Diocletian.
     Feast day:  May 4
    
Daily Notes: 

Please share your thoughts!

What do you see as the fundamental teachings of the Catholic Church that too few Catholics and non-Catholics really know and understand?

How do we go about re-educating adults and parents about the teachings of the Catholic Church so they can pass along the beauty of the Church to their children?

Do you act with love and kindness only when others are watching?

Today I was struck by the behavior of the car following me down the road.  As I was heading out of town this particular vehicle was following very closely behind me.  Clearly they had somewhere to go and did not appreciate my obedience of the speed limit!  What struck me was their quick change in driving habits when a police car approached us in the oncoming lane.  Suddenly, they dropped back 20 feet and drove well below the speed limit.  What struck me was their obedience and kindness only when someone of authority was present.

If we change our driving habits when a police car is present, who do we not drive with kindness and caution all the time?  Do we only behave properly out of fear of punishment?  What message does this convey to our children? 

If we change the way we speak and interact with our children when others are around, who do we not speak and interact with them in that kind and loving way all the time? 

If we change our behavior and family habits when guests are visiting our home, who do we not behave in that manner all the time, rather than just when we are trying to impress someone?

It seems that our behaviors, our manner of speech, our habits at home, and our love and kindness change to the way they should always be only when others are present.  While it is good that we recognize a need to behave properly and recognize what that positive behavior is, shouldn’t we be striving to always act with love and kindness? 

As we can quickly forget, someone is always watching us:  God.  God knows all our thought and all our actions.  While we cannot see Him, He is always watching and longing for us to live lives of service and love.  What would God have to say about your behavior today?  Are you being kind and loving only when others are watching?  Or are you striving to live the life of Christ even when God is the only one watching?

Friday, May 3, 2013

Daily Readings:
1 Cor 15:1-8; PS 19:2-3, 4-5; Jn 14:6-14

Reflection:  Just as Paul is reminding his brothers and sisters of the truth and the life of Jesus, sometimes the people in our lives need the same reminders.  It is only through knowledge of and lived example of the Gospel that we will be saved.  Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life.”  We must always work to remind those around us of that, so they may share in the glory of heaven as well.

Reflection for younger saints:  Paul is writing to remind people of everything he taught them about Jesus.  We must also tell others about Jesus and remind them of all He did for us so they can know, love, and serve Jesus.

Big Picture:  Let your life be a reminder of Jesus’ life

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Why did Paul write this letter to the Corinthians?  What do we need to do just like Paul was doing?  How do we do that?
     Older saints:  Do you verbally discuss your faith and Jesus’ teachings with others?  Why or why not?  Is your life a lived example of Jesus’ teaching?  Who is your life needs to be reminded of the truth and the life of Jesus?

Fun Fact:  The eighth commandment is:  Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.  In this we are commanded to always speak the truth in all things.  The eighth commandment forbids lies (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 98).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saints Philip and James
     What they are remembered for:  St. Philip was a disciple of John the Baptist, who later became a follower of Jesus.  St. James was a cousin of Jesus who ruled over the Church at Jerusalem and converted many Jewish people to the faith.
     Feast day:  May 3
    
Daily Notes: 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 15:7-21; PS 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10; Jn 15:9-11

Reflection:  What great and abundant love God has for His children.  God loves us and desires great happiness for us.  “Remain in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love.”  While God’s love is never ending, He does ask for our love and devotion in return.  God is always waiting to love us back, but He wants to know He has our love and devotion in return.  We show our love for God by obeying His commandments and following the teachings of His Church, the Catholic Church.  As we seek joy and happiness, may we always remember that true joy and true happiness can only be found in a life committed to God.  As Jesus said, “I have told you think so that my joy might be in you and your joy might be complete.”

Reflection for younger saints:  God always loves us, even when we are naughty.  But, God also asks us to be kind, to love Him, and to obey His commandments.  If we love and obey God we will find joy.

Big Picture:  We find joy in love and obedience to God

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  What does God ask us to do?  (To love and obey Him).  What will He give us in return?  (Joy and love.)  How do we obey God?  (By following His commandments and following the teachings of His Church, the Catholic Church.)
     Older saints:  Reflect on Jesus’ statement:  “Remain in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love.”  Take 15 minutes today to examine your conscience.  Slowly walk through the commandments and reflect on how you have kept them or not. 

Fun Fact:  The seventh commandment is:  Thou shalt not steal.  In this we are commanded to respect things that belong to other people.  The seventh commandment forbids dishonesty, stealing, cheating, and unjust damage to the property of others (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 97).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Athanasius
     What they are remembered for:  St. Athanasius was present at the Council of Nicaea and was later elected as bishop of Alexandria.  He is remembered for his defense of and teaching on the faith.
     Feast day:  May 2
    
Daily Notes: 

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 15:1-6; PS 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5; Jn 15:1-8

Reflection:  We are reminded yet again today that we can do anything through God, but there is very little we can do on our own.  “Just as a branch cannot bear fruit on its own unless it remains on the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.”  God has blessed us all with varied and unique talents, and with His help and guidance we can bear much fruit in this world.  In those times when we think we have life under control and we no longer needs God’s help, let us always be reminded that all that we have comes from Him.  We were created by God and we have been blessed by God with many things, so all that we do and all that we accomplish is done through God as well.

Reflection for younger saints:  We always need God’s help and God’s guidance in living our life the best way that we can.  When we try to live without God, we will fail.  With God’s help, we can do great things.

Big Picture:  With God’s help, we can do great things.

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Where do all of our gifts and talents come from?  How do we thank God for those gifts and talents?  (By sharing them with others, and by giving praise and thanks to God for the ways He has blessed us.)  What gifts and talents has God given you?  How can you share them with others?
     Older saints:  How has God blessed you and helped you to bear great fruit?  How have you given praise and thanks to God for all your blessings? 

Fun Fact:  The sixth commandment is:  Thou shalt not commit adultery.  In this we are commanded to be pure and modest in our behavior, as the Holy Spirit lives in us and we are called to prepare a proper dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.  The sixth commandment forbids all impurity and immodesty in words, looks and actions (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 93).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Joseph the Worker
     What they are remembered for:  The feast of St. Joseph the worker is meant to remind us of the very human nature of Jesus’ upbringing, as well as our need to “build” something just as Jesus and Joseph did.  We may not all be called to carpentry, but we are called to build up the Church in whatever way God asks us to.
     Feast day:  May 1
    
Daily Notes: 

"We can't help everyone. But everyone can help someone."

Sometimes we can become paralyzed by thinking about all the troubles and changes we want to make in the world.  We can become so overwhelmed that we simply do nothing.  "We can't help everyone.  But everyone can help someone."  Rather than trying to conquer the world, if we each help and serve someone, we can work together to change the world. 

How is God calling you to serve and to draw others to Him and to His Church?  Do others see God's love and service in you?  Sometimes the simplest of actions will open people's eyes to the love of God.  These small moments can be the moments that change their lives forever.  Take a few minutes of prayer today to ask God how He is calling you to be His hands and feet.  Reflect on the one or two people in your life who need to see God's love right now. 

"We can't help everyone.  But everyone can help someone."  Who is that someone who needs your help and your love today?  Put aside your own plans and your own desires and let them see God's love and God's light in you today!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Daily Readings:
ACTS 14:19-28; PS 145:10-11, 12-13AB, 21; JN 14:27-31A

Reflection:  “But the world must know that I love the Father and that I do as the Father has commanded me.”  Will people say this of us when we depart this world?  Will they know our love and service to the Father from our actions and the way we lived our life?   Our lives must image God through our service, our love, our devotion, and our prayer.  When we leave this world we will leave a legacy behind us.  What will that legacy be?

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus is preparing His disciples for His assension into heaven.  Jesus reminds us that He loves the Father and that He always did as God commanded.  God asks us to love and serve Him just as Jesus did.

Big Picture:  How will you be remembered?

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Jesus tells us that he loves God and He always followed God’s commands.  We are to live like Jesus, so how are we to live?  How do we love God?  (By visiting Jesus in the adoration chapel, by going to Mass, by loving and being kind to others.)  How do we follow God’s commands?  (By following God’s 10 commandments, by obeying the teachings of the Catholic Church, and by listening to God when He talks to us in prayer.)

     Older saints:  How does the world know you and see you?  Do others know you love God?  Do others know you faithfully following God’s commands?  Reflect on 1-2 changes you need to make in your life so that others will know your love and obedience to God.

Fun Fact:  The fifth commandment is:  Thou shalt not kill.  In this we are commanded to care for our spiritual and bodily well-being, and to do the same for our neighbor.  The fifth commandment forbids murder, suicide, fighting, anger, hatred, revenge, drunkenness, reckless driving, and bad example (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 93).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Pius V
     What they are remembered for:  St. Pius V was Pope during a difficult and challenging time for the Church.  He was faced with bringing the Church back together following scandal, corruption, and the Reformation.  After the Council of Trent closed in 1563, Pope Pius V was in charge of implementing all the sweeping changes that were adopted.  With his background as a Dominican friar, Pope Pius V was devoted to prayer and fasting as a part of his service as Pope.
     Feast day:  April 30
    
Daily Notes: 

Monday, April 29, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 14:5-18; PS 115:1-2, 3-4, 15-16; Jn 14:21-26

Reflection:  Jesus’ time has barely passed and people are already trying to serve and worship Paul and Barnabas as gods.  They are trying to establish new churches and new leadership out of the men who are trying to guide them toward loving and serving God.  Do we not see this same mentality in our own culture?  We have come to serve money and success, rather than living out God’s command to love others and humble ourselves.  We see new churches started out of obedience to and service to individuals and their teachings, rather than obedience to and service to Jesus and His teachings.  If only those guiding others to worship money, success, and themselves would act as Paul did in proclaiming “men, why are you doing this?  We are of the same nature as you, human beings” and guide us all back to Jesus’ one, holy , catholic, and apostolic Church.

Reflection for younger saints:  The people try to serve Paul and Barnabas and say they are gods.  Paul and Barnabas tell them they are wrong, there is only one God, and they run away from them.  We must only serve and worship one true God and His Catholic Church.

Big Picture:  One God and one Church

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Can we worship people or things?  Did Jesus establish one Church or many?  Who must we serve and worship?  What Church must we follow?  Why?
     Older saints:  Reflect on how our society has come to worship success, money, individual beliefs, and churches established by individuals.  How have you been sucked into these trends?  What must you step back from to keep your eyes set on God alone?

Fun Fact:  The forth commandment is:  Honor thy father and thy mother.  In this we are commanded to honor, respect, obey, and help our parents.  By doing these things for our parents, we are also doing them for God.  The forth commandment forbids disrespect, unkindness, and disobedience to our parents and lawful superiors (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 93).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Catherine of Sienna
     What they are remembered for:  St. Catherine of Sienna is a magnificent example of completely surrendering your life to God.  St. Catherine of Sienna was the 23^rd child in her family, and she protested her parent’s trying to find her a husband by cutting off all her hair.  She was a member of the Dominican Third Order who wrote letters to guide and encourage the faithful and spoke out against the political issues of her day.  She devoted the end of her life to prayer for the unity of the Church during the time of the Great Schism.
     Feast day:  April 29
    
Daily Notes: 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Readings:
Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13; Rev 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

Reflection:  “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”  God does not promise us an easy life, but He does promise that “He will always be with us as our God.”  We should find great strength and great comfort in knowing God is always by our side.  And if we love God and love one another we can hope in the glory of the resurrection and eternal life in heaven.  While our life on earth may be filled with hardships, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain” when we join our Father in heaven.

Reflection for younger saints:  God does not promise us that our life will be easy.  Instead, it may be very difficult and hard.  But, our struggles will be worth it when we join God in heaven.

Big Picture:  Life contains hardships; heaven will be filled with joy

Discussion Starters:

Younger saints:  Does God say our life on earth will always be easy?  When will we experience a life of joy?  Why will heaven be so joyful?  (Because we will be with God.)

Older saints:  Do you sometimes get frustrated and discouraged by hardships in your life?  Does it help to know that those hardships are God’s way of perfecting us so we can be worthy of heaven?  How can you more fully embrace the hardships in your life?  How can you teach others to do the same?

Scripture Verse for the Week:  “It is necessary for us to undergo many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.”  Acts 14:22

You are now entering the mission field:  Donate to a local homeless shelter (Corporal work of mercy:  to clothe the naked.)

Notes:

 

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 13:44-52; PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 14:7-14

Reflection:  In calling us all to a life of evangelization, God is asking us all to “be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.”  It somehow gives our task of sharing the Good News so much more importance when we are viewed as instruments of salvation.  When we share the teachings of Jesus and His Church with others, though, we are making it possible for them to one day experience the joy of heaven.  For, if they do not know and love God, how can they honor, serve, and obey Him so that one day they might kneel at His feet?  Just as the Father dwells in Jesus and does His works through Jesus, He also dwells in us and does great works through us.  “Whoever believes in me will do the works that I do.”  Are you doing the works of the father and being an instrument of salvation, or are you sitting by and letting others carry your load and do your work?

Reflection for younger saints:  God wants us all to be an instrument of salvation.  We do this by loving others and teaching them about God.  They must know God so they can love and serve Him.

Big Picture:  We are God’s hands and feet

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  God asks us to be an instrument of ________.  How do we do this?  Why do we have to teach others about God?
     Older saints:  How are you being an instrument of salvation?  How is God calling you to take it up a notch?

Fun Fact:  The third commandment is:  Remember thou keep holy the Lord’s day.  In this God commands us to worship and honor God in a special way on Sunday, which is the Lord’s day.  On Sunday we should give all of our time to the things of God.  The third commandment forbids unnecessary labor of the body on Sunday (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 88).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Simeon
     What they are remembered for:  Saint Simeon is thought to be a cousin of Jesus who was likely present in the Upper Room on Pentecost.  He was the second bishop of Jerusalem after his brother James was martyred.  He later met a martyr’s death when he was crucified for being a Christian.
     Feast day:  April 27
    
Daily Notes: 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 13:26-33; PS 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab; Jn 14:1-6

Reflection:  It can be hard to read today’s Gospel without singing for joy at the truth and beauty within it.  In times of struggle and trouble we find hope and strength in our creator.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God; have faith also in me.”  Our savior has gone before us to show us the path to salvation, for He is “the way and the truth and the life.”  The more we die to ourselves and the ways of this world, the more we are able to follow the way that Jesus has shown us.  The more we read His word and His Church’s teaching, the more equipped we are to know His truth.  The more we truth in the eternal life He has gained for us, the more willing we are to take up our own crosses and strive for spiritual perfection so we might attain the glory of heaven.

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus is the way and the truth and the life.  We must follow Jesus’ example, know his teachings and His scripture, and we will gain the glory of heaven with Him one day.

Big Picture:  Follow Jesus’ example and know His truth.

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Jesus says “I am the ______ and the _______ and the ______.”  What is He telling us?  (Follow His example and know His teaching and you will be able to join Him in heaven.)  Is it enough just to know and love Jesus?  (No, we must also follow His example and live as He did.)
     Older saints:  Jesus says “I am the ______ and the ________ and the _______.”  How are you following His way?  How are you not?  How are you learning and knowing His truth?  How are you not?  Make a list of 2-3 goals to help you improve how you know and follow Jesus.

Fun Fact:  The second commandment is:  Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.  In this we are commanded to always speak of God, the saints, and holy things with reverence and respect (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 87).

    
Daily Notes: 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Daily Readings:
1 Pt 5:5b-14; PS 89:2-3, 6-7, 16-17; Mk 16:15-20

Reflection:  “So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.  Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you.”  Surely we live in a time when many are worried.  People are worried for their safety, for the state of our environment, and for the state of religious freedom.  What we tend to lose sight of is our trust in our Lord.  If we obey God’s command and “go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature” we will bring more faithful and humble souls to God to do His work and to strengthen the Church.  “Your opponent the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” and his current method is fear.  Let us “be sober and vigilant” and put our faith and trust in the Lord. 

Reflection for younger saints:  Sometimes we can be worried and afraid.  The devil likes to make us feel this way.  Instead, we must trust in God and know that He is always with us and always guiding us as long as we are willing to listen to Him.

Big Picture:  Be sober and vigilant

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Who like to make us be afraid?  (The devil.)  Who will protect us from all of our worries and our fears?  What do we have to do to seek God’s protection?  (Come to Him in prayer and trust that He will help us.) 
     Older saints:  Do you live your life in fear, or do you know others who live their life that way?  Do you take those fears to God and find peace in Him?  Do you trust that God will care for you?  Have you shared the Good News with those who are fearful and may not know and trust God?  Sometimes we can become so attached to the things and our life in this world that we become fearful.  We must always keep our eyes focused on heaven and remember that our time here on earth is very short compared to the time we will spend with God in the glory of heaven.

Fun Fact:  We do not pray to the crucifix or to images or statues.  These things help to remind us of the people that we are praying to (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 84).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Mark
     What they are remembered for:  St. Mark proclaimed the Good News about Jesus through his writing of the Gospel according to Mark.  The details of his life and whether or not he met Jesus personally are still unknown.  St. Mark was a cousin of Barnabas and he spent a portion of time traveling and preaching with Paul, though he did not remain with Paul on all of his journeys.  St. Mark’s Gospel centers on the “scandal” of Jesus’ crucifixion.
     Feast day:  April 25
    
Daily Notes: 

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 12:24—13:5a; PS 67:2-3, 5, 6 and 8; Jn 12:44-50

Reflection:  “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.”  Jesus wants to free us from the darkness in our lives.  He wants us to be filled with light.  So what does he want to free us from?  What is the darkness that weighs us down?  Some thoughts are pride, anger, greed, impatience or an inability to forgive.  If our lives are filled with these things our hearts are dimmed by sin.  Instead, Jesus wants our hearts to be a reflection of Him, and our lives to be a reflection of His life.  This means charity, patience, kindness, and love.  These actions are the way we bring Jesus’ light to others, and to ourselves as well.

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus came to teach us about God and how to love others.  He taught us these things to free us from the darkness of sin.  When we sin (do things that are naughty) we make God, ourselves, and the people around us sad.  When we live a life that is pleasing to God we will be the happiest because we are serving God, and we can make God and others happy too. 

Big Picture:  Follow the light – Jesus

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Do you feel happier when you think about the good things in your life or sad things?  Does thinking about God make you happy or sad?  Does helping others make you happy or sad?  When you hurt others does that make you happy or sad?  Before we do something or say something to others we should think about whether it will make us and God happy or sad.
     Older saints:  Have you ever had an experience where you felt freed from some kind of darkness (physical ailment, a challenge learning something, etc.)?  How did it happen?  How did it make you feel?  What do you need for a similar experience to happen with your faith life?

Fun Fact:  When we pray to the Saints, we ask them to intercede on our behalf.  In doing this we are asking the Saints to offer their prayers to God for us.

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen
     What they are remembered for:  St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen was well known for his generosity and his service to the weak and the needy.  He served the poor initially through his practice as a lawyer, but after frustration with the greed of those in practice with him he left his life as a lawyer to be a priest.  He was a follower of St. Francis who was later martyred for his faith.
     Feast day:  April 24
    
Daily Notes: 

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 11:19-26; PS 87:1b-3, 4-5, 6-7; Jn 10:22-30

Reflection:  “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”  While we might sin, and fall astray like lost sheep, if we open our hearts and our minds to God we will always hear Him calling us back.  We are His, and He will love us and forgive us.  We are all marked as children of God, and no one can take us out of God’s hand.  We must “remain faithful to the Lord in firmness of heart” and encourage all those around us to do the same.  We must listen to the Father’s voice and follow Him. 

Reflection for younger saints:  God is our shepherd and we are His sheep.  If we listen to God’s guidance and follow His commands we will share in eternal life with Him.

Big Picture:  Follow the voice of the Father

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  If God is our shepherd, what are we?  (sheep).  Who’s voice and commandments must we always listen to?  What is it called if we disobey God’s commandments?  (sin).  How can we get forgiveness for our sins?  (The Sacrament of Reconciliation). 
     Older saints:  “My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”  Do you take time in your busy day to quiet your heart so you can hear God’s voice?  What routines or habits have you developed to make time to listen to God’s voice?  If you do not have this in your routine yet, take time today to look through your daily and weekly schedule so you can take time to prayerfully listen to God’ voice.

Fun Fact:  The first commandment does not forbid us from honoring the Saints in heaven, as long as we do not give them the honor that belongs to God (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 83).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint George
     What they are remembered for:  St. George was a martyr in the early Church, though there is also much legend that surrounds his life.  A popular Italian fable says that St. George slayed a dragon to rescue the King’s daughter and was responsible for the conversion of Libya. 
     Feast day:  April 23
    
Daily Notes: 

Monday, April 22, 2013

Daily Readings:
Acts 11:1-18; PS 42:2-3; 43:3, 4; Jn 10:1-10

Reflection:  The Gospel closes with the statement:  “I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.”  What does this mean to you?  What does it mean to have an abundant life?  Society tells us it is a life overflowing with success, independence, and riches.  Scripture and the Saints who have gone before us show us an abundant life is one filled with prayer, humility, service, and the Eucharist.  No matter what your vocation, we can all live our life more abundantly with Christ.  “Athirst is my soul for the living God.”  How are you quenching your thirst?

Reflection for younger saints:  Jesus came so we might have eternal life and live our life for Him.  If we seek God in all we do we will be happy.

Big Picture:  “Athirst is my soul for the living God”

Discussion Starters:
     Younger saints:  Why did Jesus come?  Should we seek riches and success in our life, or seek to love and serve God and others?  What do we need to be happy?
     Older saints:  What is your vision of an abundant life?  Does your vision align with what God desires for you?  How are you striving to attain your vision of an abundant life?

Fun Fact:  We worship God through acts of faith, hope, and charity, by adoring Him, and by praying to Him (St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1, 2008, p. 79).

Saint of the day: 
     Name:  Saint Abdiesus
     What they are remembered for:  St. Abdiesus was a deacon in a Christian community in Persia.  He was martyred for his faith during the persecutions by King Shapur II.
     Feast day:  April 22
    
Daily Notes: