Hello everyone!
Worries and concerns are part of human life. Jesus teaches us, however, that we ought not to let worries and concerns consume us. Jesus teaches us that our faith ought to lead us to trust in God’s protection and love, no matter how strong the whirlwind going on around us. Like the disciples, we can bring our worries and concerns to Jesus in prayer. Jesus will hear our cries for help. He knows that our faith can be fragile, and he will act so that our trust in God will be strengthened. As you gather as a family, invite each family member to talk about something that might be worrying them. Talk about how important it is to share worries and concerns with other people. When we do this, we learn to see our worries from a different perspective. Read today’s Gospel, Mark 4:35-41. Ask your family questions such as these: Why were the disciples worried about the storm? Why wasn’t Jesus worried about the storm? When we bring our worries to Jesus in prayer, Jesus can help us see things from God’s perspective. Invite family members to name again a worry or concern and pray together that Jesus will help us have faith in God’s love and protection. Conclude in prayer together by praying the Lord’s Prayer.
LITURGY LINK – In the Prayers of the Faithful, we offer prayers to God for the salvation of all. How do we respond to each of those prayers?
FAMILY CHALLENGE – Write out the verse from Isaiah 41:10 and place it in a spot that will be a daily reminder for your family to trust God in times of fear: “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” – Isaiah 41:10.
FAMILY PRAYER– Prayer of St. Teresa of Avila Pray this prayer before bedtime to let the peace of Christ envelop your family. Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, All things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski