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

• God gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live in the way of Jesus by faith. Have family members talk about their faith and how it grows. Talk about an instance in particular when your faith was tested. Who encourages us during those times? How can we encourage others when their faith is tested?
• Together as a family make a sign that says Have Faith, and put it on the refrigerator. During the coming week when a hardship occurs in the family, have the involved family members look at the sign and recall how their faith will give them the courage to face the hardship.
• For two days this week, make a list of all the violent acts reported on the TV news or in the newspaper. Then as a family discuss these questions:
  1. What are the causes of the violence?
  2. Is anyone doing anything about it? What?
  3. Is anyone trying to work for peace? How?
  4. Is there anything we can do about it?
• In the readings for Sunday, there is communication between God and the people involved in the story. In all cases, there is a plea for God to help and to give strength. Have your family reflect on one troubling situation about which they will pray to God for help. Use the prayer as an additional meal prayer or as an evening prayer.