Follow-Up Session- November

See

1. Are we preparing ourselves to receive the most important visit of the year?

2. Are we ready to share freely with our family?

Illuminate: Luke 2: 1-20

Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city.  Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Advent is a time in which, in light of the Word and in prayer, we can change things in our family, live according to the promises of the Messiah who comes to save us, and renew our homes and society. Our Most Holy Mother Mary teaches us that through these practices, things can change. During this time we can better prepare our family to receive the Messiah. The Word reveals that through humility, simplicity and solidarity, we can begin to prepare so that our family is ready and able to create an atmosphere of warmth and harmony.

Delve into the Word

In silence, listen to the voice of Jesus within your heart.

What word of the reading do you identify most?

What is Jesus inviting you to do today?

Live the Word

What actions do you feel called to carry out personally and as a family during this time of Advent?

In which way can your family be better prepared to receive the Messiah?

In which ways can your family change or grow in order to receive the Messiah?

Celebrate

L. I receive your greeting, Lord, so that you can pour out into our hearts the joy of your love.

R. Make us rejoice in your presence, Lord.

L. Your holiness, Lord, motivates me to seek holiness in my family.

R. Holy Spirit, with your grace, lead us to holiness.

L. Lord Jesus, may the shadow of your Holy Spirit cover us in order to do your will.

R. May it be done to us according to your Word.

L. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

R. Holy is your name!

L. Lord, come and reign in our home, give us your salvation, and may the grace of the Holy Spirit overshadow each one of the members of his family. Amen.

Mission – “Taking the first Step”

We recommend that you visit and/or invite some family members to visit during this time, particularly those to whom you have not reached out for a while.

You can start by saying: “We would like to share this day with you.”