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DAY 30 - CONVERSION OF PAUL
Many don't realize that St Paul, the "Apostle to the Gentiles" and the most prolific writer of all of Scripture, was actually the most upcoming scholar of Judaism and was the leader of the first persecution against the Catholic Church. It is by his authority that the first Christian is killed, St. Stephen, and he had plans to completely destroy Jesus' new Church, until a blinding light from Heaven put his life on an entirely different course. Today we discuss one of the most important and miraculous turning points for the Church - the conversion of Saul of Tarsus.
From Our Spiritual Director ✝
Friday's Reflection
Readings
Acts 4:1-12Psalm 118:1-2,4, 22-24,25-27aJohn 21:1-14Today a common theme in the Gospel of John continues; the failure to recognize Jesus. The disciples have gone out fishing at night and have caught nothing. Once back on shore a man, whom they fail to recognize, questions them “Children, have you caught anything to eat?" Of course, this man is Jesus. Following his direction to cast their nets again, they find that their catch is so large they are unable to pull it ashore. One may ponder, how many times are these disciples going to fail to identify Jesus in their midst?
This is the third time Jesus has appeared to the disciples. Today they begin to recognize him but are fearful to ask, “Who are you?” because they know in their hearts that it is the Christ among them, feeding them.
We should also consider that Jesus refers to them as “Children.” This is not a reference to their physical age but to their relationship to God the Son. We must recall we are all God’s children, even when we fail to see God in our midst.
Perhaps today we ask ourselves, where is the risen Christ present in our life at this moment. Look for him…I guarantee He is there.
Peace,
Fr. John
Weekly Challenge Winners! 🙌
Congratulations to the winners of our Acting Out contest... 🥁 the Hunt Family and the Malay Family! Each week during the Crown Retreat, we challenge you to some family fun. This week we invited you to act out a story from the bible and to be as creative as you want with props, scripts, sets, and costumes. During this contest, we chose two winners for different age levels. Tune in each week for more fun contests and win points for your House at Holy Cross! Check out the winning productions below.
New Trivia Quizzes! 💯
We've got a new trivia quiz this week. Have you been following along? Test your knowledge and win House Points and get on the student Leaderboard.
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:
Who was Saul of Tarsus?
Saul persecuted Jesus' first followers & had St. Stephen stoned to death.
Saul had a conversion and took the name of Paul. We know him as St. Paul.
What Paul do after his conversion?
Have you been following along?
Test your knowledge in our weekly Trivia Quiz here.
A Note from Julie:
Dear Parents,
Like Saul, some times we have obstacles placed in our lives. Saul was suddenly blinded but only to have his eyes wide open to the Lord, to hear Him speak. Saul (aka St. Paul) was one of the most unlikely followers of Jesus. Saul has an extraordinary change of heart, a profound conversion, becoming one of the Lord's most faithful followers. He preaches God's Word throughout many cities at his own personal risk.
This causes me to stop and reflect on my life's obstacles, may they be God's way of calling me? Trying to get my attention?
For God works in strange and wondrous ways!
God bless,
Julie Sheridan
Additional Resources & Activities to do at Home
Video:
Paul's Conversion 1:34 (Grades 3-4)
Paul in Damascus 1:50 (Grades 3-4)
Paul and Silas in Jail 2:30 (Grades 3-4)
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
Watch the video
The Main Points that need to be learned or taught from this lesson
Be able to explain the basic points about
Who was Saul of Tarsus
His persecution of Jesus' first followers & the killing of St. Stephen
His conversion & becoming St. Paul
What he did after his conversion
Have you been following along?
Test your knowledge in our weekly Trivia Quiz here.
High School (Grades 9-12)
See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn
Find a list of all these prayers here.
Pray
New to the Spiritual Life
20 Minutes Silent Prayer
For those more advanced
20 Min Silent Meditation
Find a list of all these prayers here.
Learn
Watch the video
Have you been following along?
Test your knowledge in our weekly Trivia Quiz here.
Adults
See Day 1 for a longer explanation of what to do in Pray & Learn
Pray
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
Have you been following along?
Test your knowledge in our weekly Trivia Quiz here.
Learn
Watch the faith formation resource video below to learn more about your faith.
"Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'”
- Acts 9:3-4
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