This week's theme: Jesus warned us to beware of selfishness and greed.

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

Theme: Jesus warned us to beware of selfishness and greed.

Summary: The Gospel story speaks to being so obsessed with the things of the earth that they overshadow those things that truly are of value and importance. Jesus warns the crowd and us to “guard against ALL greed.” Often times people think greed only has to do with material possessions, however we can become greedy regarding our relationships, power, and prestige. The greed for such things can become our god. Think of the word EGO as an acronym: Edging God Out. Any time we place something or someone above God, we have entered into idolatry.

Making the Connection (Grades 1, 2, and 3): Younger children may need to be reminded to think of the needs of others. Help children understand that Jesus calls us to think of others’ needs and share what we have, especially with those who have less than we do. 
 
Making the Connection (Grades 4, 5, and 6): Children at this age are concerned with issues of fairness and are drawn to participate in making things right. This Sunday's Gospel and the activity below are opportunities to help them consider the unfairness of hoarding wealth.

Making the Connection (Grades 7 and 8): Young people at this age are developing social consciences and sets of values, making them idealistic and passionate about social justice. This Sunday's Gospel and the activity below are opportunities to invite them to consider the issues surrounding the equitable distribution of the world's resources.
 
 
Scripture: Luke 11:1-13
Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Luke 12:15
 
Jesus said, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." He then told the story of a man whose land had produced so much grain that he had no place to store it. Even though he had plenty, he wanted more, so he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones. Jesus said the man was a fool, for when his life was over, he would leave everything behind. He would leave this world with nothing.
 
Dear Father, help us to be content with the blessings which you so generously give us and help us to be on guard against selfishness and greed. Amen.
 
My Promise to Jesus: Jesus, starting today, I will make more effort to share what I have with others.
 
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. When have you seen greed hurt people? Has it ever hurt you?
 
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda
Written by Lauren Alderfer
ISBN: 10:86171-683-3
 
Family Discussion: Family life helps us learn about the values of solidarity and the common good. As a family, we strive to respect the rights of each family member and make decisions that promote the common good of the family. Talk about what it would be like if the family ordered a pizza and then divided it unevenly, with some members getting as many pieces as they wanted while others got only a half slice. Talk about how you work to make sure that everyone in the family has his or her fair share.

Talk about how your family is also a member of the human family, called to share the goods of creation fairly and justly. Explain that in this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus challenges us to remember that the goods of the world are intended to be shared by all. Read aloud Luke 12:13-21. Talk about the parable of the rich fool and ask family members to describe what they think he did wrong. Emphasize that although the man in the story doesn't seem bad, Jesus points out that this man's flaw was that he was thinking only about himself and his own comfort and security. Emphasize that when we fail to think about the needs of others, we call that a sin of omission.

Remind your children that each time we go to Mass, we ask forgiveness for what we have done and for what we have failed to do. We call this prayer the  Confiteor. End this time together by praying the  Confiteor (“I confess to almighty God…”).