Pilgrim Priest

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) • Sit at the feet of Jesus and learn the secret to happiness. Power, pleasure, possessions, popularity? These four things are poor substitutes for God. When we feel poor, mournful, meek, and persecuted, it is then that we realize we are close to God. This relationship lets us be merciful, pure of heart, and peacemakers. When we have nothing but God, we have everything. And we are Blessed beyond measure.

This week is Catholic Schools Week. Catholic education is about sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning from the Master. The word Catholic means “universal.” Catholic education is universal in two senses:

* It teaches the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. We call this kind of education, formation. It is about shaping you to reach your full potential in Christ.

* It teaches the whole truth. It’s about more than just how the world works. It’s about what it all means, where it came from, and where it is going.

Catholic education is about more than Catholic schools. It happens at faith formation programs, Sunday Mass, and above all, in your own families. It happens when your children sit at your feet and learn by your words and your example. It happens whenever we live the Beatitudes and become like Christ.

(29 Jan 2017)

Point to Ponder: When have you received good Catholic formation, and how or from whom did you receive it?

Point to Discuss: The Beatitudes reflect the face of Christ. Pick a beatitude and connect it with a story from the Gospels that shows Jesus.

Point of Action: All of us have a role to play in Catholic education. What is one way you can contribute to the Christian formation of others?

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C) • As long as the Packers keep winning, Green Bay lives in joy of the past and expectation of the next game. Christians should be living in the joy of Jesus’ victory and expectation of more to come. This joy and light should unite us, and make us a sign of unity in a divided country. Lets share the light of Christ this week.

(22 Jan 2017)

Point to Ponder: When do I allow sad moments (a sports loss, a bad day) to steal my joy?

Point to Discuss: Talk to a friend about your plan to spread the Light of Christ this week.

Homework: Share the Light of Christ with someone.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) • “Son, I love you, and I’m proud of you.” We need to hear these words. We need to say these words. Jesus is the Light of the World. He wakes us up to our true potential by placing His light within us. Are you shining?

(15 Jan 2017)

Homework: Tell your spouse or a significant person in your life how you see the Light of Christ within them.

Point to Discuss: Tell your children you love them and you are proud of them. Even if you aren’t proud of everything they do, pick one thing you ARE proud of them for. If you don’t have children, tell your parents. They probably need to hear it too.

Point to Ponder: Learn more about good sleep habits at http://thepowerofwhenquiz.com

 

The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) • We have been waiting for Jesus and now here he is! Christmas tells us that we can find Jesus in humble, ordinary places: a stable, the Eucharist, with jail inmates, and with cancer patients. Christmas reminds us that the God who loves us has come to dwell with us. But Christmas is also about learning to recognize Jesus among us. Where do you see Jesus?

(24 Dec 2016)

Point to Ponder: Today I saw Jesus ___________

Point to Discuss: Play a game with a friend: Where did you see Jesus? Start today and report to one another your #JesusMoments.

King Ahaz can’t save himself, and neither can we. God’s Son comes to save us. He is welcomed into the community of Mary and Joseph. Through the Holy Spirit, the community of believers becomes God-with-us to one another. [AUDIO]

Being a follower of Jesus means trusting Him even when things don't make sense to us. Jesus wants to be our best friend. In the light of this friendship you will learn more about yourself. Open your heart to friendship with God. [AUDIO]

Before we were conceived in our mother's womb, we were conceived in the mind of God. God thought of you in heaven, Immaculate. Work along with God so that His conception of you can become a reality. [AUDIO]

Being a missionary disciple is about responding to Jesus in my life and helping others see His presence and action in theirs. Leading people to the Kingdom is urgent because the Kingdom is closer than we think. [AUDIO]

First Sunday of Advent (Year A) • The Kingdom of God surrounds us and breaks into our world. Do we welcome the interruptions of the Kingdom or do we try to reject them? The hardest thing for me to turn over to the King is “my time” and “my plans.” We need to be willing to drop everything like Hunter Mahan when the King calls us. Are you expecting the King to come, or to stay away? Advent means we are expecting.

(27 Nov 2016)

Point to Ponder: When have I seen the Kingdom breaking into my life?

Point to Discuss: Discuss with someone what the Kingdom of God means and how to live in it.

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe (Year C) • God has given us Jesus to be our King. The king is crowned with thorns, barely dressed, nailed to a cross and powerless. We have to look beyond the appearances and have faith in our King. He has a vision for us: missionary disciples striving to lead all people to His Kingdom.

When you got married you had a vision of life with your lover. Then you started living for the kids. Now your family mission has become driving kids to stuff all the time. You’ve lost sight of the vision. Allow God to show you His Vision and a Mission for your life. We can say No to all the junk when we say Yes to following our King.

(20 Nov 2016)

Point to Ponder:

Parish Vision: We are missionary disciples striving to lead all people to the Kingdom of God.

Parish Mission: As friends and followers of Jesus, we are devoted to fostering households and communities of discipleship through the mission and ministry of the Catholic Church.

Point to Discuss: Talk with your spouse or a good friend about your vision for your life.

Point for Prayer: Speak to God about His vision for your life. Then listen.