Family Perspectives

Family Perspectives are short reflections written by the Director of Marriage and Family Ministry.  They are centered around the Sunday readings, typically the gospel.  They are suitable for publication in your parish's Sunday bulletin or shared with households through PSR or Schools.  They can be cut and paste from the website and also adapted to meet your parish needs.  

If you would like to help write these reflections please feel free to submit suggestions to Terri Yohman.

April 2, Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord

Matthew 26:14-27:66

Every year we remember the torture, scorn and ridicule that Jesus endured leading up to His death. As we reflect on today’s Gospel, let us be reminded that Jesus, fully divine but also fully human, freely entered Jerusalem to take on the pain of death for us. His love is so great, he bore our sins for our salvation. From Pope Francis’ Palm Sunday Homily in 2021, “let us gaze upon Jesus on the cross and say to him: ‘Lord, how much you love me! How precious I am to you!’ Let us be amazed by Jesus so that we can start living again, for the grandeur of life lies not in possessions and promotions, but in realizing that we are loved.”  

Intercession: Lord, draw us deeper into an understanding of your eternal love. Allow us to experience your love and mercy and share it with all those we encounter. Amen. 

April 9, Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord

John 20:1-9  

Alleluia! Today we rejoice for our Lord is risen. Jesus conquered death and fulfilled all His promises to us.  “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe” (John 20:29).  The story of Peter and John seeing the empty tomb and believing is eyewitness testimony for us. God reveals Himself clearly enough that we have reason to believe, but not so directly as to compel us and force our will.  We meet God in our own act of faith. Let us come as children to meet and receive Jesus in the Eucharist filled with joy, wonder and awe!  

Intercession: The Lord is truly risen, alleluia! May we obtain the joys of everlasting life. Amen. 

April 16, Second Sunday of Easter

John 20:19-31 

On this Divine Mercy Sunday, the Holy Spirit is given to the Apostles empowering them to forgive sins, instituting the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of God’s healing and mercy. Thomas’ example of doubt then belief is a reminder to us that faith is hard, we have moments of weakness, but Jesus’ love and mercy are never ending. He does not abandon us and will give us what we need. 

Intercession: Lord, strengthen us as we journey with you through the ups and downs of life. May we know your mercy and share it with sincere hearts. Amen. 

April 23, Third Sunday of Easter

Luke 24:13-35

Jesus warmed the hearts of the two disciples traveling to Emmaus, but they didn’t realize it was Him until the breaking of the bread. Jesus comes to us in that same spirit and remains with us when we receive Him in His real presence in the Eucharist.  

Intercession: Lord Jesus, you come to us in the breaking of the bread: open our hearts to receive the life you offer us. Amen.