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DAY 12 - THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Of all the things that Jesus says, many would assume that "love" or "forgiveness" is his primary message. Although these have great importance in his teaching, of all his preaching it is his proclamation of the coming Kingdom of Heaven that he talks about more than anything else. It is only in the context of Jews in the first century that we can understand the importance of this message. Not only has he come to reestablish the long lost Kingdom of King David, but he is going to fulfill the ancient promises God made to the patriarchs, most especially Abraham, through this establishment.
From Our Spiritual Director
Psalm 23 Reflection
We hear in the psalm response today a tone which all of us need to hear at times. Reassurance. The fourth verse of the psalm tells us that “only goodness and kindness follow me” Gods goodness and kindness is all around us each day we simply have to be open to is. How open are you to showing the mercy of God and His goodness and kindliness? While God shows us these things often through the acts of other people we are called to show His goodness and kindness to those we meet each day. Maybe it’s a phone call, maybe it’s doing a random act of charity? Each of us can do something, what can you do? Take some time today to think about what you can do to show God’s goodness and kindness to those you meet and see how that will transform you in so many ways.
– Fr. Matt Rawson
Weekly Challenge
Each week, we're introducing a new family fun challenge! Our hope is this would just be a recreative way to blow off some steam, get creative, slow down, and enjoy our time together. This week's challenge is the FORT FUNDAY CHALLENGE! Winner gets House Points! Check out the video below from Steve and fam for a demonstration. Send in your submissions using this form by Thursday, April 2nd.
Elementary (Grades 1-4)
See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn
Pray
Find all the prayers here.Mealtime Prayers & Night Time Prayers
5 mins - Praying for Others
Learn
Watch the video
The Main Points to Teach Your Child:
Basic understanding of the message of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Love, Peace, and Justice. All are invited.
Basic understanding of what is happening at the time Jesus is teaching.
They are anxious, excited and nervous as they are waiting for a new king. The people are not happy with the Romans, but are not certain who Jesus is. They are expecting a king more like a soldier or a politican.
The 3 Promises of Abraham are fulfilled in Jesus's Kingdom, the Church, but not how the Jewish people were expecting.
Promise of a Great Nation (Land & Descendants): The Kingdom of Heaven is for all Baptized in Christ, not just the Jewish people.
Great Name (King & Kingdom): Jesus Christ is King and the Church is His Kingdom on earth
Universal Blessing (Bless all other Nations): The Catholic Church is universal, covering all nations
A Note from Julie:
Dear Parents,
I hope you have had a relaxing weekend and a restful Sabbath, ready to begin a new week.
Today's lesson on the Kingdom of Heaven includes the Sermon on the Mount. I have always found the Beatitudes to be a message full of hope and comfort. It's message is simple, pure, and child-like. A message for all.
In these days and weeks ahead, I plan to do my best to keep things simple, to find the joy in the simplicity of life and in God's love. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions, suggestions, or tips to share.
God bless,
-Julie Sheridan
Additional Resources & Activities to do at Home
Video:
Resources:
Kingdom of Heaven - Sermon on the Mount Coloring & Activity Pages Grades 3-4
Kingdom of Heaven - Sermon on the Mount Coloring & Activity Pages Grades 1-2
Middle School (Grades 5-8)
See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn
Pray
Find all the prayers here.Basic Prayers
Ten Minutes of Silence
Intercessions
Thanksgiving
Reading the Bible
Learn
Watch the video
The Main Points that need to be learned or taught from this lesson
Understand that Messiah (Hebrew) & Christ (Greek) do not mean "savior" but "anointed one", which is the King. Also, that they are asking Jesus over and over if he is "the King" or not.
The Jews want the heir of King David to rise up against Rome. Jesus is the heir of King David, comes to establish a Kingdom (the Church) but does it through peace and forgiveness and not the sword.
Be able to explain how Jesus fulfills the 3 Promises of Abraham.
Be able to explain how Jesus' Kingdom reflects or fulfills David's Kingdom
Adults
Pray
- See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn
Basic Prayers
- A list of all these prayers are here.
For those new to prayer
First 10 mins - Talk to God
Second 10 mins - Listen to God
Praying with the Bible or the daily mass readings.
For those more experienced in prayer
20 Mins of Silent Meditation – Suggestions:
Lectio Divina/Meditating on the Bible
Petition, Intercession, Thanksgiving, & Praise
Journaling
Reflecting on the Daily Readings
Learn
Watch the video
Learn
Watch the faith formation resource video below to learn more about your faith.
“...The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."
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