I am forever amazed at the dedication and creativity of our Hearts Afire leaders around the country, and above all, I am amazed at their generosity. They are always so willing to say, "Absolutely, please share my idea with others."
That is the Body of Christ at work, friends! That is how we build up the kingdom on earth.
Recently, I had a great talk with Clare Rohan, a leader who is lighting the commonwealth of Virginia on fire! Clare shared with me that, each week, she sends an encouraging email to her group, which is currently 100 people strong, going through Consoling the Heart of Jesus. In the email she gives upcoming events, highlights great aspects of the weekly reading that may have been missed, and even offers a "Kids' Korner" to give the children of the participants something to reflect on for the week. So awesome! Guess what Clare said when we asked if we could share her ideas? Yep, you got it. She said, "Absolutely!"
Here's the email Clare's group received this week as they began Consoling the Heart of Jesus. If you're a leader, feel free to let her idea pave the way for you.
Happy Wednesday, Everyone!!
How's your reading coming along and most importantly are you all letting Jesus draw you closer into His Arms and into His Heart?
Reminder:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 3:45-5:00ish
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY, RETREAT TALK, FELLOWSHIP
ROHAN HOUSE
HOPE YOU ALL CAN COME!!
Reflection:
I hope you all were able to spend some time meditating on Mother Teresa's letter (pg. 417).
Did you all notice the footnote after it on pg. 419, attributed to St. Padre Pio's spiritual director, which states, "OH JESUS, I SURRENDER THIS TO YOU. YOU TAKE CARE OF IT" That is a beautiful, powerful prayer of total trust amidst life's ups-and-downs.
Now onto the children's thoughts. What I thought would be good for the children and any of us is to introduce them to the life of Jesus more before they can love Him more and console Him. You parents do what you think is best. These are just suggestions.
My goal is to let them see how Jesus doesn't ask us to participate in a life He Himself hasn't already done. So from His birth to His death we can in a mysterious way feel we too have lived with Him.
Kids' Korner
This week let's have our children meditate on the Baptism of Jesus. The painting below by the Spanish artist Murillo, depicts the beauty and dignity of Jesus' baptism. It also serves as a reminder of the dignity of our own baptism and who we became at that life-changing event.
Ask the children to remember that not too long ago we celebrated Christmas and to imagine Jesus as the sweet baby in the manger -- ask what they did then to make Baby Jesus happy. Did they sing to Him? Did they stroke His soft cheek?
Now ask them if they remember the last Sunday of Christmas was the Baptism of Jesus. By then Jesus was all grown up. -- He had become a man!!
Read to them the story of His baptism in Mark 1:9-11.
Jesus' baptism was to show us 2 things.
1. THAT HIS DIVINITY IS REVEALED WHEN GOD THE FATHER SAID, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED"
2. AT OUR BAPTISM WE ALSO BECAME GOD THE FATHER'S SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN WHOM HE IS WELL PLEASED.
Jesus wants us to share in His love for His Father by sharing in His Sonship! What a incredible thing to consider!
* Tell the children when they were baptized the heavens opened up for them too!
* Have them cry out, "I AM A CHILD OF GOD!! THANK YOU, JESUS FOR GIVING ME BAPTISM!!!"
* Find pictures of their baptism and recall the joy you as parents had when they became children of God. Take them (if possible) to the baptismal font they were made children of God at. Help them understand(!) the Trinity dwells within them!!
If you are leading a Hearts Afire group and have come up with your own great ideas, we'd love to have you share them with us! All you have to do is post a comment on this thread.
