Connect What Happens at Sunday Mass to Everyday Life in the Home
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Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. But when they continued asking him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he bent down and wrote on the ground. And in response, they went away one by one, beginning with the elders. So he was left alone with the woman before him. Then Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She replied, “No one, sir.” Then Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more.”
Remember to allow time for each member to both process and respond to each question.
Reminder: *Sacrifice jar *Family prayer *Confession
Affirmation Circle
In our Gospel reading this week, a woman was being torn down instead of built up. Who knows why she did the bad things that she did, but no one deserves to be hurt for their actions. Instead, what if someone had thought to actually talk to her and build her up, make her know that she is worth making better choices? We are going to do that for each other today.
Each person in the family is going to take a turn either in a special chair or in the middle of a circle of the other family members. When they are sitting in that chair, they are going to hold a special item. This could be a stuffed animal, a rosary, a small pillow, etc. This item will eventually end up in your sacred space when this activity is finished.
When that person is in that special spot holding the special item, the rest of us are going to say as many specific things about them that would build them up. What are some things that you love about them? What is something nice that you noticed they did this week? What is one thing about them that you are so glad about? We will ONLY say kind things.
Take turns allowing each child and adult in the family a turn to be built up by affirmations from all other family members. The last person may put the special item in the sacred space.
Father, we thank You for Your love and forgiveness. Today we are very thankful for each member of this family. Thank You for the gift that they are to this family and this world. Please help us to see opportunities this week to build each other up instead of tear each other down. Amen.
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