Your Family Mission
Please begin by saying the Prayer to the Holy Family found on page 2 of the Retreat Guide. Then, watch the video below. When you are done, continue with Section 3 in the retreat guide.
The Scripture Reflection artwork and questions are provided below in a larger format than the printed PDF to increase your child’s engagement.
Scripture with Reflections
Read this Scripture passage prayerfully and carefully. Don’t rush. Reflect upon this artist’s depiction of St. Paul Preaching Amidst the Ruins as an additional way of entering into this mystery.
2 Timothy 1:3-6, 7-14
I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lo’is and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you. Hence, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you… for God did not give us a spirit of timidity but a spirit of power and love and self-control.
Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not in virtue of our works but in virtue of his own purpose and the grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus ages ago, and now has manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus; guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us.
Questions to Discuss
- Why does St. Paul mention the faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother?
- Have any members of your family had a positive influence on your faith? In what ways?
- What three virtues does St. Paul say you have been given by the Holy Spirit? (hint: not a spirit of timidity, but instead a spirit of…) How do you think the Holy Spirit wants you to use them today, in your own family?
- If you have looked at the painting of St. Paul Preaching Amidst the Ruins, notice the people in this picture who are listening to his teaching. What is important to you about this audience? How do you think they would hear the words, “guard the truth that has been entrusted to you”?