Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
Lead in: There was no formal school that parents could go to to learn how to be parents. You learn as you go. Each child is uniquely different and a window into the mystery of life. You grow as a
parent as you embrace the calling to love your children as God’s gift.
Prompt: For you personally, what have been some of the great gifts of being a parent?
Prompt: What have been some of the challenges of being a parent?
Lead in: Joseph had no idea that one day he would have to migrate with his family to a foreign country. He and Mary and the child Jesus left under the cover of night in a race to save their lives.
Prompt: Was there ever a time when you had to act decisively with the stakes high and the pressure on you in a situation that possibly could change your future?
Prompt: In times of stress, what role does faith play in carrying you through the chaos?
Lead in: An angel appeared in a dream to Joseph. He was told to get up and take the child and his mother and travel to Egypt, a distant country in a far off land. Sometime later, when Herod had died, God’s angel again appeared to Joseph in a dream. He was told to get up and take the child and his mother and return home. As he had done before, Joseph obeyed.
Prompt: Has there ever been a time when, like Joseph, a situation occurred where you had to
suddenly change your plans when you weren’t quite sure how things were going to work out?
What did you learn from this experience?
Prompt: Has there ever been a time when, like Joseph, it seemed God was calling you to do
something you didn’t quite understand?
Lead in: In Colossians 3, Paul offers a good blueprint to navigate the fluctuations of family life, “Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and resilience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” Most importantly, “put on love, that is, the pond of perfection.” It would seem that when we are intentionally aware of these virtues, we can respond better to the challenges of community living.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you were especially grateful for the support of your family.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when it was especially difficult to work through issues within the family. Was there anything in particular that helped you come to a resolution?
Lead in: I once heard these points put out as rules of thumb for growing as a healthy family:
seek God together; do the right thing; recognize and share your gifts; open your heart to everyone in the family. Stick with these and you will grow as a healthy, holy and happy family.
Prompt: What is your experience that tells you that these rules of thumb contribute to the health of your family and any other family or community you have been a part of?