Spiritual Food - Week 6
Living the Gospel: Taking Risks
Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.
Take yourself into a secluded place, of no disruptions, and enjoy this time of prayer and reflection.
A Christian lifestyle will involve risk-taking. Belief in Jesus Christ does not guarantee success, comfort, or an easy life. Rather, it promises that the faithful follower will be asked to risk part or all his or her life in order to live Gospel values. Why would anyone want to commit to this?
Because the Gospel message promises us God's never-ending love and support. It reveals how sacrifice bears fruit. Saint John Baptist de La Salle once said, “Throw yourself into God’s arms. He will carry you when the road is rough.” God’s love is a constant in our life.
Scripture Reading: To Serve Me You Must Follow Me (John 12: 24-26)
“Amen, amen, I say to you unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me.”
Christians believe wholeheartedly that Jesus sacrificed his own life, like the grain of wheat, in order that we could enjoy, like many grains in a field of wheat, the full fruits and abundance of new life in him.
Jesus was no stranger to taking risks. He confronted injustices, called for changes, and risked great physical pain. He even courageously faced death for the sake of others.
When we willingly sacrifice and care deeply about others, even when these cost us comfort, time, and unselfish effort, we experience the new life of Jesus' Spirit more fully.
Reflection Points: Taking RisksWrite a brief answer to each of the following questions:
- When you have taken a risk in a relationship, what were you putting on the line? What did you have to lose? What did you gain?
- Have you ever failed when you have taken a risk? How did this experience make you feel? Why did this "failure" occur?
- What kinds of risks do you see Jesus taking in the Gospel? What did he risk losing? What did he gain?
- Which of Jesus' teachings seem the most "risky" or radical to you? What would happen if Christians just ignored (pretended not to hear or see) these demands by the One they follow?
- Why did you decide to take this risk? Which Christian teaching or value lent you the courage and support to overcome your fear of risk?
- Identify a time when someone took a risk in a relationship with you. How did things turn out?
Loving God, Thank you for being a God who risks. Thank you for the gift of free will, so we can decide whether to care about each other or to be selfish and safe. Thank you, Jesus, for taking the risk to become human and for spending your life for your friends. Give us each the courage to risk our lives, our time, talents, and pride for the sake of our friends, family, and strangers alike. Help us to believe that our acts of sacrifice will bring new life to our relationships. We pray this in the name of Jesus, who teaches us how to love. Amen.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Spiritual Food - Week 5
Mary, Our Mother
Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.
Mary is not only mother to the Church but mother to all of us. In the Gospel of John, we read that while Jesus is on the cross, he gives us his mother as our own (see John 19:25-27). “Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.”
When we need guidance, protection or a place to cry, Mary is there. Often we forget she is there but opening our hearts to her can become a way we can connect our prayer to her. Think for a moment about a time in your life where praying to Mary could have helped. Was there a time when you felt lost, confused, joyful but no one to share that joy with? Can you think of a time when you could have prayed with Mary?
One prayer we pray is the Hail Mary. The Hail Mary has its origins in the Bible. I’d like you to read Luke 1:28, “And coming to her he said, ‘Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.” and Luke 1:42, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.” You can hear how similar these couple of passages are to the lines in the Hail Mary prayer. The second part of the prayer asks for Mary’s intercession: “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death”. We’re asking her to pray for us – just like we’d ask a friend or family member to pray for us. If we want a heavenly intercessor on our side, who is better than Mary, the mother who has a personal interest in seeing her son’s work continue? As the Catechism says, “We can pray with and to (Mary). The prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary and united with it in hope.” (CCC2679)
Here are a couple videos I believe you will enjoy: Mary in 2 Minutes and 50 Reasons why 50 Teens Pray with Mary, the Mother of God.
As we celebrate our Mother Mary, during this month of May, I challenge you today to video tape yourself sharing why you pray with Mary, the Mother of God.
Please send in all videos to Mr. Fitzhenry.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Have a blessed month of May, Pilots!
Spiritual Food - Week 4
Cinco de Mayo
The story of Cinco de Mayo, which means May 5, takes place just south of the United States in the country of Mexico in 1862. The history of the Mexican people is wonderful, and there are many stories of courageous people who spoke out so that all could have a better life. In their quest for freedom, many Mexicans lost their lives. The victory of the Battle of Puebla is what May 5 celebrates.
Father Patrick Flores became Bishop Patrick Flores in the Diocese of San Antonio, Texas on Cinco de Mayo, 1970. This event became important for our Church and for people. Archbishop Flores is a very special man because he was the first American priest of Mexican descent to become a bishop in the Catholic Church. The story of Archbishop Flores in many ways reminds us of the brave peasants who fought for freedom at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. He was a courageous man who brought hope to many people. As Archbishop of San Antonio, his motto was “I will work not for myself, but for others.”
Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Good and gracious God,
We thank you for all you have given each of us. You have made each child and family different, yet you have created one human family. Jesus, you live inside each of us and help us to be happy and brave. You bless us with many ways to have fun and enjoy life. Be with us as we celebrate the people and traditions of Mexico. May we be open to the Holy Spirit in which our gifts are offered to each other. We ask for your guidance that we may do your work in building community in our families and school even during this time of lockdown. Amen.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body - Jews or Greeks, slaves or free - and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
In this passage, how does Paul describe people as different? Alike?
Think of some examples of people or groups from around the world who have shown great courage and perseverance in times of trouble or challenge. Make a list.
When you see this list, what does it say about human beings?
We are your grateful children. Thank you for the gift of celebrating the courage and hope of the Mexican people every year on May 5. We thank you for the farmers who fought so bravely at Puebla and for Archbishop Flores who, through his faith and courage, led him to become a great leader in our Church. God of Creation, we thank you for the gifts of diversity in our towns and cities, our friends and family, our school and Church community. Remind us of the strength we find in the community when we pray together in your Son’s name.
We ask all of this through Jesus Christ our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Fun stuff to do with your family:
Fiesta activities
Game ideas
Share some photos of fun activities or food you and your family enjoyed on Cinco de Mayo with Mr. Fitzhenry.
Prayers in SpanishSign of the CrossEn el nombre del Padre, del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo. Amén.
The Lord’s PrayerPadre nuestro,
que estás en los cielo.
Santificado sea tu nombre.
Venga tu reino.
Hagase tu voluntad en la tierra como en el cielo.
Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.
Perdona nuestras ofensas,
como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden.
No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal.
Amén.
The Hail MaryDios te salve, Maria.
Llena eres de gracia:
El Señor es contigo.
Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres.
Y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre:
Jesús.
Santa María, Madre de Dios,
ruega por nosotros pecadores,
ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte.
Amén.
Simple Phrases in SpanishI Love Jesus – Amo a Jesus
Hello – Hola
Thank you – Gracias
Pleased to meet you – Encantado
Enjoy Cinco de Mayo!
Spiritual Food - Week 3
Warriors of Faith
What superheroes do you know? Why do you think we like these superheroes?
Kids and adults, too, often like to read about superheroes and watch their movies because these warriors triumph over evil. Using superpowers, these warriors are always ready to come to the rescue, stand up for what’s right, and help those in need. What are some of those superhero superpowers?
The superhero warriors we are talking about are fun to watch and read about. But the truth is they aren’t real. They never were. The very first superhero, Superman, was invented in 1939 by Jerry Siegel. He and his friend, artist Joe Schuster, started the whole idea of the superheroes we know today, the warriors like Spiderman, Batman, Aquaman, etc. These superheroes are fun, but they are pretend. Made up. Invented. They weren’t real. Not ever.
The Bible tells us about real people who fought against evil and bravely stood up for what was right. They were warriors of faith. What warriors of faith from the Bible do you know?
Warriors of faith include real people like David, Joshua, and Esther. Warriors of faith include real people like Moses, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, too! You can learn about these warriors of faith — not in comic books — but in the Bible! Everything in the Bible is true. The events really happened.
The warriors of faith are not pretend or made up. They really lived! What’s more, these faith warriors had a real superpower. It’s the power of God working in them and through them. These were ordinary people, but the Holy Spirit made them extraordinary warriors of faith!
By the power of God, a young man conquered a giant with nothing more than one small stone. By the power of God, a young woman stood up for what was right and saved her nation. Three warriors of faith, by the power of God, walked out of a roaring fiery furnace, unharmed. By the power of God, one of God’s leaders divided the waters of the Red Sea, making a dry path between walls of water; God’s people escaped from their enemies on that path. By the power of God, huge walls around the city of Jericho crumbled to the ground.
How could all of this have happened? “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37).
The power of God is real. He uses his power to help his people. To help you and me! “But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Corinthians 15:57).
Jesus, God’s Son, gives us the victory. Evil will not win. Someday, all the bad, sad, hurtful things we experience — things like sin, death, and the devil — will never bother us again. Sadness and sickness and mean words and wars and bombs and fear will be gone forever. Jesus crushed Satan’s power by dying for us on the cross! Jesus destroyed death’s power by rising from the dead!
Now, all who believe in Jesus are his warriors of faith! When Jesus lives in our hearts, we can do great things. We can be kind to those who are mean to us. We can help our moms or grandmas or dads or grandpas or brothers without even being asked. We can pray for people who are sick or hurt or sad. Warriors of faith! That’s who we are — all because of Jesus!
Never forget that God’s power is working through you. You are a warrior of faith! As Saint John Baptist de La Salle said, “Think of what a blessing it is that the Holy Spirit lives in you.”
Dear Jesus, thank you for always loving and forgiving us. Give us faith to believe in your Word, trust in your promises, and powerfully live for you today and every day. Amen.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
Send in a picture of you being a faith warrior this week to Mr. Fitzhenry.
Spiritual Food - Week 2
Trusting God
Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.
Trusting God, you are our hope. As we continue staying at home, to do our part in helping with this pandemic, we ask that you send the Holy Spirit to uplift any hardships we are facing at this time. Open our hearts and minds so we can place our trust in you. Send us your peace and wisdom as we go through this spiritual exercise. We thank you ahead of time for all the goodness and graces that will be given to us.
We ask all of this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
During this pandemic, anxiety, stress, and concern come upon many of us. Today, I would like you to select one scripture passage below that will help you let God take control of what causes you anxiety, stress, or concern. Copy the scripture onto a poster, canvas, or sidewalk with chalk, and be creative with it.
Send in a picture of your scripture passage creation to Mr. Fitzhenry.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is my strength and my shield, in whom my heart trusts. I am helped, so my heart rejoices; with my song I praise him.
Psalm 37:5 - Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act.
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely;
Proverbs 16:20 - Whoever ponders a matter will be successful; happy the one who trusts in the Lord!
Jeremiah 17:7 - Blessed are those who trust in the Lord; the Lord will be their trust.
Lamentations 3:25 - The Lord is good to those who trust in him, to the one that seeks him;
Mark 11:22 - Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God”.
John 14:1 - Do not let your hearts be troubled. You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
Galatians 2:20 - Yet I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me; insofar as I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who has loved me and given himself up for me.
Galatians 3:26 - For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus.
Spiritual Food - Week 1
Unless I See the Wounds
We have all heard the story of Doubting Thomas, who was not with the disciples when Jesus first appeared and did not believe them until he saw for himself. There are lots of things that we don’t believe because we cannot see them. What are some things you don’t believe?
But there is lots of stuff we believe in even if we cannot see it. For instance, consider gravity. We cannot see gravity; we only see its effects, but we all know it is there. Or love. We cannot see love, but we all believe in love. What about Jesus’ resurrection? We never saw it ourselves, but we believe.
- Or, are we like Thomas who needed physical proof?
- Why do we doubt?
- Why do we believe?
Using a process of prayer called lectio divina, we are going to read the story of Thomas seeing Jesus for the first time after his resurrection.
Lectio Divina on John 20:24-2As you do this exercise, you will read through the same Scripture passage three times out loud. Write down what you are thinking as you go through the exercise.
The FIRST reading is for the purpose of hearing a word or passage that touches your heart. When the word or phrase is found, it is silently taken in, and gently recited and pondered during the silence which follows. [Write the word or phrase] Thinks about which word or phrase has touched your heart.
24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”
26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Now, Thomas one of the 12, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
The SECOND reading is for the purpose of “hearing” or “seeing” Christ in the text. Ponder the word that has touched your heart and ask where the word or phrase touches your life that day. In other words, how is Christ the Word touching your own experience, your own life? Think about what you have “heard” or “seen.”
The THIRD reading is for the purpose of experiencing Christ “calling us forth” into doing or being. Ask yourself what Christ in the text is calling you to do or to become today or this week.
Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.
Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.
