Returning Home
This weekend, we hear in the Gospel the parable of the Prodigal Son. One of the main messages of this parable is that it doesn’t matter how far we stray from our God or how much we squander the gifts he provides, he is always delighted when we turn back to him. His unconditional love is waiting for us to return home. God greets us with open arms. Everyone who winds up lost but then is found is cause for the greatest celebration.
There is a famous painting by Rembrandt which hangs in St. Petersburg Russia called “The Return of the Prodigal Son.” In 1992, Priest and theological writer Henri Nouwen received permission to visit the museum which houses the masterpiece. Nouwen spent hours and days alone sitting in a chair gazing at the painting, studying every detail in hopes of discovering its spiritual reality. He then wrote a book based on his observations of that painting. Nouwen shares his own experience as the wayward son as well as the vengeful older brother and the compassionate father. He speaks to all who have known loneliness, dejection, jealousy or anger, and invites us to homecoming, affirmation and reconciliation.
By placing ourselves into every character of the parables Jesus told, we can gain a clearer revelation of what he is teaching us. A great activity you can do as a Church of the Home is called Visio Divina. Similar to what Henri Nouwen did, it's a process in which you reflect on sacred images to allow God to speak to your heart through the eyes.
Images of the Prodigal Son for Visio Divina
Jesus teaches many lessons through the parable of the Prodigal Son. One lesson is that we can always return home. At Resurrection, we are striving to be a home in which all are welcome. Regardless if you have been away for years or if you are here daily, we open our arms to embrace all.
That is the goal of the Annual Res Reunion. Resurrection is a parish family. We gather together to pray and celebrate Mass, we serve each other and our neighbors through various ministries, and we strive to live the life Jesus wants us with the support of each other. We want to celebrate the parish family we have created. Today is all about reconnecting and building relationships. We welcome those that are new and meet those that we only know their face from across the church.
The 9/11 Prayer of Remembrance and Hope
Dear God, we remember before you today those whose lives were lost in the catastrophic events of September 11, 2001, and for all those whom we love but no longer see. We give thanks to you for the selfless courage of those brave souls who ran into burning buildings and who labored in the rubble; may their courage be to us a witness of what is possible when we are guided by love and dedication to our fellow human beings.
We pray today for the continued healing of all those suffering emotional and physical scars. May your spirit breathe new breath into clouded lungs, new life into troubled minds, and new warmth into broken hearts, so that all may feel wrapped in your loving embrace. May we move from suffering to hope, from brokenness to wholeness, from anxiety to courage, from death to life, from fear to love, and from despair to hope.
Guide our feet into the way of peace. Inspire us to become instruments of your peace in this world, knowing all people as equally loved, lovingly created, children of God. Amen.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Like a distracted sheep who gets separated from the herd, there are times in our lives when we find ourselves lost. How do we respond to that sense of being lost? How do we help others who are in need of being found? The answer may lie in community and reaching out to each other. Join Tony as he reflects on this Sunday's Gospel reading.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Baby Bottle Boomerang Project 2022 Love Life East Update
Your support of the Mothers’ Day/Fathers’ Day Baby Bottle Boomerang project generated $2,063.48 for Love Life East. Thank you!
Love Life East & West Green Bay programs support households struggling to make ends meet and their efforts to care for women and children help save lives.
Thanks to all who connected with our legislators in support of non-partisan policies and programs which improve access to quality childcare, safe affordable housing, healthcare, education and job training, and the establishment of a livable minimum wage.
In addition, please consider contacting our legislators in support of re-instating the Universal Free School Meals program nationwide. This is respect life legislation in which all sides can find common ground.
Contact:
U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher at 202-225-5665 or visit gallagher.house.gov Senior Senator Ron Johnson at 202-224-5323 or visit ronjohnson.senate.gov
Junior Senator Tammy Baldwin at 202-224-5653 or visit baldwin.senate.gov
THANK YOU
The official counting of how many granola bars were collected will occur on Monday. Until then, we wait in anticipation to see who won the competition between De Pere and West De Pere.
Announcements
Humor
Why do mama kangaroos
hate rainy days?
Because their kids
have to play inside.
Ruby and Res
Guess who's ready to see how many granola bars Resurrection collected?
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