PRAY
Notice God’s blessings and thank Him each day.
St. Ignatius of Loyola believed that gratitude was one of the most important prayers for us to practice. In fact, he said ingratitude (being ungrateful) was one of the biggest sins because we do not give thanks to God for all that we have been given.
When we take time to be grateful, we realize how loved and blessed we are by God. We open our eyes to see God's love in the people around us, in the air we breathe, and the things we have. Print out the gratitude prayer, or look for an old notebook or a special piece of paper and make it a gratitude journal. This week, focus on the prayer of gratitude before bedtime.
Write: Thank you Jesus for…
on your gratitude paper and place it next to your bed. Before going to sleep each night, write down 3 things you are grateful for. Include these in your night prayer. You will soon realize that this prayer brings joy because when we stop to give thanks, we begin to realize that there is so much to be grateful for and that we are very blessed.
Take the list to Mass this next week and make time for a special prayer before or after Mass.
FAST
Choose hope and speak life-giving words.
The Transfiguration reminds us that we are a people of hope and that we look forward to the glory of God. We believe in the resurrection and we know that God wins.
This week fast from negativity. If someone in the family says something negative or hopeless, respond by saying "We are a people of hope." Then invite the person to say two positive things. This is especially important if the person is being negative about his or herself. Being negative hurts us and does not let us fully be a people of hope.
GIVE
Share love in simple, personal ways.
As a family, think of what it means to give from your heart. Then brainstorm what you could do this week to give from your heart.
Some ideas:
Give 3 compliments today.
Give someone a hug.
Give someone your time.
Make and give dinner to someone who is alone.
Visit lafamiliascatechesis.com for this week’s resources.