The Spirituality of the Family and Holy Week Lenten Talk 11 March 2015

A Family Prayer Heavenly Father thank you for the gift of our family. Enlighten our hearts and minds that we may live more fully this vocation of love. In our daily life and work, may we reflect the self-giving love which you, O Father, eternally show with your Son and the Holy Spirit. Let your love be evident in the peace that reigns in our home and in the faith we profess and live. May our family always be a place of generosity, understanding, forgiveness and joy. Kindly give us the wisdom and courage to be witnesses to your eternal design for the family; and grant that the Holy Family of Nazareth may always guide our path to holiness as a family. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Back to where it started… Baptism photo God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has freed you from sin, given you a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and welcomed you into his holy people. He now anoints you with the chrism of salvation. As Christ was anointed Priest, Prophet and King, so may you live always as a member of his body, sharing everlasting life.

Our threefold mission Priesta mediator, or bridge, between God and human beings, dedicated to serving one’s neighbour and a life dedicated to God Propheta messenger sent by God, a person who speaks for God, witnesses to God, calls people to conversion Kinga servant to all

The Sacrament of Marriage Sacrament of mission The ministers of the sacrament Achieves what it signifies

The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches in the fields and spread them on the road.

The Last Supper Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe that it was you who sent me.

Agony in the Garden My soul is sorrowful to the point of death…if it is possible, let this cup pass me by.

The Crucifixion My God, my God, why have you deserted me?

The Resurrection The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.’

Discussion questions 1How as a Church can we support family members living out their mission as: A – Priest? B – Prophet? C – King? 2 Is there a particular liturgy in Holy Week that resonates with your experience of family life?

Our threefold mission Priesta mediator, or bridge, between God and human beings, dedicated to serving one’s neighbour and a life dedicated to God Propheta messenger sent by God, a person who speaks for God, witnesses to God, calls people to conversion Kinga servant to all