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

• Plan a family reconciliation service. Begin by having each member of the family write down on a small slip of paper one thing they did that hurt another family member. Ask each family member to pray individually, silently, to ask forgiveness for his or her action. Collect the slips of paper and burn them in the fireplace or in a metal container as a symbol that they have been forgiven and will change their ways. Close by praying together: “Loving and gracious God, we come before You in our brokenness. Help us see our mistakes. Grant that we may be open to your healing mercy and forgiveness as we seek to change our lives. Amen.”
• People who feel loved and accepted can grow. Plan a family meal that celebrates God’s love. Ask each family member to write a note to every other member; thanking them for a time they have shared love. Younger children can be helped to draw a picture of a heart or some other symbol of love.
• Talk to your child about forgiveness and why it is important to ask for forgiveness if we have done something wrong and to forgive others who do things that hurt us. Ask if there is someone in the family or a friend the child needs to forgive or someone from whom they need to ask forgiveness. Encourage them to do so and resolve the situation.
• As a family, ask: Is there someone in our family, our neighborhood, or our community who is hurting due to misunderstanding, or family disagreement, or rejection? What can we do to let them know that we care?