This week's theme: Jesus tells his disciples to be prepared for his coming.

From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education

Theme: Luke 12:32-48 Jesus tells his disciples to be prepared for his coming.

Summary: Jesus, in today’s gospel as well as in many of the gospel passages, speaks of the uselessness of fear when we trust that we have a loving God. Jesus speaks of the fact that the kingdom of God is ours and that must be our most valued possession, so much so that Jesus goes as far to say, get rid of everything because none of it will bring you true happiness or the fullness of life. In other words, seeking God’s kingdom, which is available to us, will bring us the fulfillment that each person is searching for in life. Faith calls us to be courageous in making a leap of faith. 

Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3): Younger children are able to pay attention for increasing periods of time. In the parable of the Vigilant and Faithful Servants, Jesus challenges us to be alert disciples.

Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6): Children at this age are keenly aware of being included or excluded from peer groups. In the Parable of the Vigilant and Faithful Servants, those who are alert and vigilant will continue to be included in the master's favor.

Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8): Young people at this age are capable of a variety of services but must be challenged to be more generous with their time. In the Parable of the Vigilant and Faithful Servants, Jesus challenges us to be more vigilant and alert about our responsibilities as his disciples.

Scripture: "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:33-34 

One day Jesus said to his followers, "Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." 
So, how do we lay up treasures in heaven as Jesus said we should? We do it by taking our eyes off of our own selfish wants, and look at others and their needs. We give to the poor, we help those in need, and we love others as we love ourselves. Those are things that will build treasures in heaven and there is nothing that can take them away.
Father, we sometimes look at all the treasures that this world offers and we lose sight of what you want from us. Help us to serve you by helping others and, in so doing, build our treasure chest in heaven. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

My Promise to Jesus: Jesus you guide us and you love us. To share your love, I will ask my mom or dad to help me choose two things in my room that I could give to a child in need.

Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. Can you remember a time when you were suddenly surprised because you felt like God was with you?

Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
Courage
Written by Bernard Waber
ISBN: 13:978618238552

Family Discussion: Years ago, most families had only one or two clocks in their home. Today, we have clocks everywhere—on our walls, on our microwave ovens, on our DVD players, on our cell phones, and so on. As a family, go through the house and count how many clocks (time-telling devices) your family has. Talk about important events for which family members need to be on time. Recall experiences of being late for something, either as individuals or as a family. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus talks about how important it is for us to be aware and alert, otherwise, we will miss something.

Read aloud Luke 12:32-48. Talk about the parable that Jesus told and discuss how the master will feel if he arrives to find his servant doing his job. Discuss what our job is as disciples of Jesus. Explain that, just as we need to be aware of the time so that we don't miss anything important, we also need to be alert and focused on our jobs, our responsibilities as followers of Jesus.

Encourage each family member to place a sacred symbol near the clock that they use most in the house and to use the symbol and the clock as a reminder that it is always “time” for us to be acting like disciples of Christ.