Opening Prayer Led by Group Facilitator

Sirach 3:1-15

Pray the Canticle of Tobit together aloud, alternating verses between two sides.  When finished, share reflections on the canticle as a group

1 Listen to me your father, O children; and act accordingly, that you may be kept in safety.

2 For the Lord honored the father above the children, and he confirmed the right of the mother over her sons.

3 Whoever honors his father atones for sins,

4 and whoever glorifies his mother is like one who lays up treasure.

5 Whoever honors his father will be gladdened by his own children, and when he prays he will be heard.

6 Whoever glorifies his father will have long life, and whoever obeys the Lord will refresh his mother;

7 he will serve his parents as his masters.

8 Honor your father by word and deed, that a blessing from him may come upon you.

9 For a father’s blessing strengthens the houses of the children, but a mother’s curse uproots their foundations.

10 Do not glorify yourself by dishonoring your father, for your father’s dishonor is no glory to you.

11 For a man’s glory comes from honoring his father, and it is a disgrace for children not to respect their mother.

12 O son, help your father in his old age, and do not grieve him as long as he lives;

13 even if he is lacking in understanding, show forbearance; in all your strength do not despise him.

14 For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, and against your sins it will be credited to you;

15 in the day of your affliction it will be remembered in your favor; as frost in fair weather, your sins will melt away.

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.

Our Father’s House

Luke 15:11-32

1. What did the younger son believe about his father's faith in "heaven"? His father's justice? His father's generosity? How did the father's previous strong formation of his younger son in religion and virtue, even if rejected, prove ultimately victorious? How do you form children in faith and virtue?

2. How did both sons underestimate the heart of the father? How have I underestimated the heart of my earthly father? How have I underestimated my Heavenly Father? How does my family underestimate my fatherly intention, affection, work and heart? Is there a solution to underestimating hearts?

3. The father's surprising direction is, "let us eat and make merry." When have you been surprised by an earthly father's surpassing love? When have you been surprised by God spoiling you? What fruits do you experience when you receive affirmation, favor and merriment? As father, how have you surprised your family with affirmation and merriment? What fruits do you witness when you bestow affirmation and merriment?

Resolutions

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

1. I will discuss with my wife any changes we can make to better incorporate religious formation into our parenting.

2. I will contact a father who I know provides strong religious education for his children and I will ask for his advice and for suggestions to incorporate into the religious formation of my children.

3. I will apologize to my father for any ways in which I have underestimated his intention, affection, work and heart.

4. I will surprise my family with a religious feast that they were not anticipating.

5. I will compose a list of upcoming potential accomplishments in my children’s lives that we can celebrate with affirmation and merriment.

Previous Resolutions - The Father of the Prodigal Son 3

Prayer Partners

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