This week we celebrate the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord and recall the moment in Nazareth when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the Mother of God. Nine months from this Thursday we will celebrate the Birth of Jesus at Christmas. The Solemnity of the Annunciation is so important that we pause from our Lenten quiet and listening to rejoice at the great gift of Jesus, true God and true man, as well as at Mary's "yes" to all God asked of her. Find a way to rejoice as a family this Thursday!
It seems so fitting to celebrate a bit this week as next Sunday we will begin Mass with an extra Gospel which recalls the celebrations of the people when Jesus entered the City of Jerusalem on the Sunday before His death and resurrection. Read Mark 11:1-10. Did you hear what the people were crying out? What do you think “Hosanna” means? Who or what are they saying is “Blessed?” Make a list of objects or places or people which are blessed. I bet you could make a very long list!
Level II (1st-2nd): The Cenacle (Mark 14:22-24) "While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, 'Take it; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, 'This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.'" What do you remember about this work in the Atrium? Did you hear the new words that Jesus said? Maybe you would like to draw what this moment looked like then or what it looks like today. | Level III (3rd-6th): The City of Jerusalem What do you remember about this material? During this last week of his life on earth, where did Jesus go? What did He do and say? Perhaps you would like to draw the City of Jerusalem, labeling the Cenacle, the Garden of Olives, the House of Caiaphas, the Praetorium, Herod's Palace, Mount Calvary, the Tomb, and any other places you remember. You could also write what happened in each of these sites in the City of Jerusalem. If it is helpful, read Mark 14:1-15:47 to hear what will be proclaimed next Sunday at Mass. |