Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Psalm 18:16-24

Pray the Psalm together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections on the Psalm as a group

16  He reached from on high, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.

17  He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.

18  They came upon me in the day of my calamity; but the LORD was my stay.

19  He brought me forth into a broad place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me.

20  The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he recompensed me.

21  For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

22  For all his ordinances were before me, and his statutes I did not put away from me.

23  I was blameless before him, and I kept myself from guilt.

24  Therefore the LORD has recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

The Birth of Moses

Exodus 1:1 - 2:10

1.       Exodus narrates that the Genesis Patriarchs die. What happens to their offspring? How does this fulfill Genesis? What does a Patriarch want for his offspring after his own death? How are you setting up your offspring to be fruitful after your death?

2.       How do the Egyptians react to Israel’s fruitfulness? What is the ironic result of their oppression? What advantages are there to immigrants? Why do natives fear immigrants? What is a just solution to immigration issues?

3.       From the time of Pharaoh, one elite solution to unwanted populations is “family planning.” How does Pharaoh’s solution parallel America’s solution? How does this explicitly contradict the blessing of Genesis 1? What are some Patriarchal responses to criticism of large families?

4.       Pharaoh’s attack is explicitly against boys, the masculine future of Israel. Why do you suppose that is? How does contemporary culture stifle or drown the spirit of boys? What helped you grow strong as a boy? How does a Patriarch raise boys more intentionally than society does?

5.       Egyptian midwives operated under a Pharaoh hostile to Hebrew fertility. In what ways have you experienced opposition to conception and childbearing from the medical profession? What options (hospital, birthing center, midwife, home birth) have you considered for the birth of your children?

Resolutions

Choose a resolution for this week from the suggestions below or make your own.  Tap on a resolution to email it to yourself:

1.    I will pray a decade of the Rosary for each of my grandparents.
2.    I will pray for 15 minutes in Adoration for the fruitfulness of my future grandchildren and great grandchildren.
3.    I will discuss with my wife how we might better praise and support a young, growing Catholic family we know.
4.    I will exercise with my son.
5.    I will schedule a time to go camping, hunting, fishing, etc. with my son.
6.    I will take my son to work with me.
7.    I will read the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care.
8.    I will re-assess with my wife our medical care and services in light of our religion.

Previous Resolutions - Genesis 49-50

Prayer Partners

Discuss with your prayer partner the success/failure of your previous resolution & offer a vocal prayer for one another.