Choose one of the following activities as a way to further reflect on the Sunday readings:

• Point out to family members that Jesus was tempted just like we sometimes are, but he did not give in to temptation. Jesus was obedient to God’s will. Lenten resolutions can help us choose God’s will over our own. As a family talk about what Lenten resolutions each person has made. Write out these resolutions and put them inside the family Bible. Decide what you will do as a family to observe Lent this year.
• Choose a television program the family has watched or a story in the newspaper or a magazine. Look for modern temptations that cause people to do the wrong thing. Discuss with your family: What are some of the most difficult temptations people face today? What is the best way to deal with these temptations?
• Display the crucifix in a prominent place in your home. Gather around the crucifix and have each family member reflect on a temptation that he or she is faced with in his or her daily life. Ask God and Jesus to help us in saying “no” to the many temptations that we are confronted with each day.
• Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are the three principal practices of Lent. Discuss with your family what it means to fast or give something up for Lent. The Lenten practice of fasting is meaningful for children when it coincides with almsgiving. As a family, consider sharing a simple meal each week and then using the money saved to help a local charity like St. Vincent De Paul or Catholic Charities.