Sunday, April 25th
Lk 21: 1-4
“He [Jesus] looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. And he said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all the living that she had.”
- In Jesus time, the people put money into an offering to help take care of the temple.
- As Jesus watched them, what did he see?
- I wonder how much the rich people put in?
- How much did it say the widow put in?
- Who do you think made more of a sacrifice?
- The widow, because she gave all that she had.
- I wonder who else gives us all that they have? Can you think of any examples?
Monday, April 26th
Lk 22: 17-20
And he took a chalice, and when he had given thanks he said, “Take this, and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the chalice after supper, saying, “This chalice which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Lk 22: 17-20)
- What did you hear?
- Have we heard these words before?
- What was Jesus offering the apostles?
- “Do this in remembrance of me.” Were those words just for the Apostles?
Tuesday, April 27th
Lk 23: 26-27
“And as they led him [Jesus] away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.” (Lk 23: 26-27)
- The cross of Jesus must have been pretty heavy.
- I wonder if Jesus was glad to have someone help Him carry His cross?
- Would you have helped Jesus if you had been there?
- I wonder if there are ways we can help Him now?
Wednesday, April 28th
Lk 24: 50-53
“Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them [apostles]. While he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Lk 24: 50-53)
- What did you hear?
- Can you imagine Jesus being carried up into heaven?
- It says they “returned to Jerusalem with great joy”. I wonder what the reason was for their joy?
- Then what did they do?
- I wonder what we can bless God for?
Acts of the Apostles
Dear Parents,
St. Luke writes how Jesus continues to establish His kingdom, through the ministry of the apostles, the building up of His church, and through the gift of the Holy Spirit to bring about the divine plan of eternal salvation. Acts highlights the Ascension, Pentecost, the mission of Peter our first Pope, and how other apostles like Paul were great witnesses to Jesus as Lord and Messiah.
Jesus has great love and passion for His kingdom. Jesus wants to bring all creation in union with Him to live in His kingdom forever. He ascends to heaven but sends His spirit to be with us always. God with us. The Holy Spirit comes bearing many gifts to aide us in living out our lives as apostles. These gifts help us to further build up His kingdom and His church on earth.
The word apostle means person sent. It is our baptismal call and duty to go and make disciples of the nations as the apostles did. This history of the apostles shows us the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within all of us, as to inspire us to also be great witnesses and apostles of Jesus.
Thursday, April 29th
Acts of the Apostles 1:5
“for John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts of the Apostles 1:5)
- I wonder what it like is to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Friday, April 30th
Acts of the Apostles 2:3-4
“Then, there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts of the Apostles 2:3-4)
- I wonder what it is like to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
- I wonder when we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Saturday, May 1st
Acts of the Apostles 3:26
“For you first, God raised up his servant and sent him to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.” (Acts of the Apostles 3:26)
- God sends us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us. I wonder how we can care for this Gift?
- I wonder how we can turn from sin and not make bad choices?