In next week's Gospel, we are challenged by the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. One man went into the temple and prayed about himself, while judging others. The other man went to the temple with such great humility, all he could ask for was God's mercy. This parable encourages us to consider our own life of prayer. When we consider the time we spend with God, how honest are we with God (and ourselves) about our own sinfulness? Are we humble enough to go before the Lord, in prayer, and ask for God's amazing gift of grace? How might your love and trust in Jesus grow, if you spend more time in this type of prayer? The easiest way to begin is with a simple prayer called The Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

SUNDAY READINGS:

Click on the link below for the readings that you will hear at the Sunday Mass for the coming two weeks. This will give you a chance to prepare your heart and mind for full and active participation in Mass this weekend! For a Mass schedule in our diocese click on the grey button below.

Sunday Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102322.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103022.cfm

Family Stories: Here are some stories about prayer:

loved: The Lord's Prayer by Sally Lloyd Jones

The Examen Book: Exploring Every Day with God by Paul Mitchell

How Can I Pray? by Steph Williams

Prayer for the Embrace of Humility

Lord, I know that humility is good and is therefore good for me. I know that I must choose this virtue and so I do choose it. Please help my mind, heart, will, emotions and my entire being to be open to the beauty of this glorious gift. Help me to become convinced, with every fiber of my being, that humility is the foundation for a life of holiness and happiness. Soften my heart, purify my desires, and bring light to my mind, dear Lord. Give me the grace I need to choose to embrace the glorious gift of humility. Jesus, I trust in You.

Follow the blog post below that encourages you to create your own Litany of Humility with what you struggle with. The original Litany of Humility was written by Cardinal Rafael Merry del Val in the 19th century.

Encourage kids to feel comfortable admitting their mistakes by setting an example in admitting your own errors. It is unnecessary and possibly detrimental to keep up a false front of perfection in front of your kids. It won't make you less of an authority figure or less admirable and it may help them to understand a lot more about the journey of growth we all take in learning from mistakes and choosing to do better next time! When we say, "I was wrong; can you forgive me?" our kids learn the value of forgiveness and mercy and will feel closer to you!