Hosted by the Faith To Go team in the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, David Tremaine and Charlette Preslar, and joined the each week by a special guest, the Faith To Go Podcast highlights themes from the Sunday Gospel reading for you to take into your faith discussions and reflections throughout the week.
Activity Time: Walk Together Supplies
Supplies: bandana or scarf
Have two family members stand side by side. Use the bandana to tie one person’s left leg to the other person’s right leg. Have the two people walk together across the yard. Try not to give too much instruction to help them. Repeat with additional family members.
After everyone has made it from one side to the other, ask these questions: Was it easy or hard to walk together? Why? Did one person walk faster than the other? What were other challenges you faced? Did you figure out a way to make it easier? Why was that easier? How do you think this might be like walking with Jesus?
Fun add on: 1. put obstacles in the path for people to navigate. 2. try it blindfolded. 3. walk backwards 4. attach another person to the farside!
Story Time: An Easy Yoke
Watch this video together and then use the discussion questions below to reflect as a family.
Discussion Questions:
1. What chores do you do at home?
2. Which ones do you not like to do?
3. Are there things that people do to help you?
4. How does that make you feel?
5. What kinds of things does Jesus want us to do?
Dinner Time: Complaining About Each Other
Below is a prayer with which to start your meal and then discussion questions to explore this week’s topic with your family while you eat.
Prayer -
Jesus, Help us to walk with you each day. Remind us to listen to each other and the people in the world who are hurting. Guide us as we try to be more like You. Comfort us when it is hard. Bless us with courage to always try again. Amen.
Questions:
1. At the beginning of this week’s scripture we hear people complaining about each other. What is something that stood out for you?
2. Why do you think they complained about each other?
3. How does it make you feel when people don’t do things the way you want them to?
4. What is something that you are good at? What about the other members of our family?
5. How would it feel if we all did everything the same?
Bedtime: Reflections for Children at the End of the Day
During your bedtime routine, invite your children into a time of reflection about their day, maybe by saying, "Did you know that God really wants to know what happened in your day today, and that God is always listening whenever you need to tell God something?" Then continue with these questions:
1) What are some things that happened today that you want to tell God about?
2) What is one happy thing that happened today? What is one sad thing that happened today?
3) Did you see God or feel God with you when those things were happening? Where did you see or feel God when those things happened today?
4) Read to your children this week’s scripture selection, then ask the questions that follows.
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 (God’s Word, My Voice)
Jesus told the crowd: I’m trying to figure out how to describe this generation of people. They’re like kids who yell at each other in the middle of town and say, “Why should I bother playing music for you if you’re not going to dance. I give you everything, and you give me nothing back.”
John didn’t eat fancy food or drink wine, and people said, “He’s crazy and possessed by a devil.” I came and ate dinner with you, and drank your wine, and they say, “Wow. He sre eats and drinks a lot, and hangs out with sinners, too!”
And yet, you know what they say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
Then Jesus turned to talk to God: Thanks, Father, for showing the truth to the simple people and hiding it from the people who think they’re so smart. You have given me everything I need. And I follow your direction.
Here’s what I want people to know, “You can come to me, people. I know you are tired from carrying heavy loads. Come to me and I will give you rest. If you carry my load, and learn from my example, you will also be gentle and humble in your heart. Come; find rest. I will share your burden.”
Did the story remind you of anything that happened in your day today?
5) What are some things that you want to tell God that you are grateful for today?
Share some of your conversations in the comments below: