St. Francis of Assisi Weekly Reflections

Question of the Week

Based on each Sunday’s Scripture readings, your “Question of the Week” offers opportunities for deeper reflection and faith-sharing. Make the “Question of the Week” your starting point in for small group faith-sharing, family prayer time, and daily reflection.

Basado en las lecturas de la Escritura de cada domingo, su “Pregunta de la Semana” ofrece oportunidades de reflexión más profunda y compartimiento de la fe. Haga la “Pregunta de la Semana” su punto de partida en para el compartimiento de la fe del grupo pequeño, tiempo del rezo de la familia y reflexión diaria.


Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time:Blessed are we

01-29-2017Question of the Week

Reading I: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 (promise for Jerusalem)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (paradox of God's choice)
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 (the beatitudes)
Key Passage: Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11–12)

Adult: When you heard the Beatitudes announced today, which one struck you most strongly?
Child: Who is welcome in the reign of God? Who would you like to tell about the reign of God?

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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time: Following Jesus

01-22-2017Question of the Week

Reading I: Isaiah 8:23-9:3 (the Prince of Peace)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 17 (factions)br>Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23 (Jesus in Capernaum)
Key Passage: Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23)

Adult: To whom could you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ this week with actions rather than words?
Child: What could you do for someone this week that would tell them something about Jesus?

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2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: Jesus, the Son of God

01-15-2017Question of the Week

Reading I: Isaiah 49:3, 5-6 (the servant of the Lord)
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 (greeting to the church)
Gospel: John 1:29-34 (John's testimony to Jesus)
Key Passage: [John said,] "I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." (John 1:31)

Adult: We witness to Christ as John did, by living lives full of generosity, forgiveness, and mercy toward others. When do you find it most difficult to do this?
Child: Who has surprised you by doing something kind for you when you did not expect it?

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Epiphany: A gift for all people

01-08-2017Question of the Week

Reading I: Isaiah 60:1-6 (glory of the new Zion)
Reading II: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6 (commission to preach God's plan)
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 (the visit of the magi)
Key Passage: n the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, "Where is the Child: who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage." (Matthew 2:1–2)

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Mary, Mother of God: Helping others to know God’s blessing

01-01-2017Question of the Week

Reading I: Numbers 6:22–27 (the priestly blessing)
Reading II: Galatians 4:4–7 (free sons of God in Christ)
Gospel: Luke 2:16–21 (the shepherds' visit, the circumcision)
Key Passage: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you. (Numbers 6:24–25)

Adult: How has God blessed and kept your family? What can you do as a family this week to show your gratitude for these blessings?
Child: When have you felt most blessed by God? What can you do to help someone in your family feel the same way?

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Holy Family: Nurturing family relationships

12-30-2016Question of the Week

Reading I: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 (duties toward parents)
Reading II: Colossians 3:12-21 (the practice of virtues)
Gospel: Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 (the flight to Egypt)
Key Passage: Joseph got up, took the Child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt. (Matthew 2:14)

Adult: What can you do this week to help someone in your household or circle of friends feel more secure and loved?
Child: What good thing will you do this week to show yourlove for a parent or grandparent?

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Christmas: Midnight

12-25-2016Question of the Week

Reading I: Isaiah 9:1–6 (the Prince of Peace)
Reading II: Titus 2:11–14 (transforming of life)
Gospel: Luke 2:1–14 (the birth of Jesus)
Key Passage: Isaiah 9:5 (a Child is born)

Adult: Why is knowing Jesus important in your life?
Child: How do you experience Jesus when you give a gift to someone else?

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Fourth Sunday of Advent: Welcoming light

12-18-2016Question of the Week

Reading I:Isaiah 7:10-14 (birth of Emmanuel)
Reading II:Romans 1:1-7 (greetings from Paul)
Gospel: Matthew 1:18–24 (the birth of Jesus)
Key Passage: When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took Mary as his wife. (Matthew 1:24)

Adult: Whom do you find it difficult to welcome in your life? What can you do to overcome that?
Child: What could you do this week to make someone feel welcome, as Joseph welcomed Mary?

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Third Sunday of Advent: Actions worthy of praise

12-08-2016Question of the Week

Reading I: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10 (Israel's deliverance)
Reading II: James 5:7-10 (patience)
Gospel:Matthew 11:2-11 (Christ's witness to John)
Key Passage: Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." (Matthew 11:11)

Adult: How do you prepare yourself to meet Christ in those around you?
Child: What good thing have you done so far during Advent to be like Jesus?

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