MONDAY,

MARCH 30

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

The Main Points to Teach Your Child:

  1. Basic understanding of the message of the Kingdom of Heaven.

    • Love, Peace, and Justice. All are invited.

  2. 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.

  3. 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:


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

The Main Points that need to be learned or taught from this lesson

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Be able to explain how Jesus fulfills the 3 Promises of Abraham.

  4. Be able to explain how Jesus' Kingdom reflects or fulfills David's Kingdom

High School (Grades 9-12)

Pray

  • See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn



Find a list of all these prayers here.

Learn

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


For those more experienced in prayer


Learn

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."


- Mark 1:15