Page 2 - Awaken ~ Summer 2024

Scan here for parent resources. ➥
and CHURCH TEACHING
Connecting GOSPEL
The Whole Truth
Are you familiar with this scene from police dramas?
A crime happens. The police begin to interview witnesses
to get a description of the perpetrator. Every witness
provides a different description. There may be a few
common details, but nothing that provides the full and
accurate picture. How do we discover and who do
we trust to give us the whole truth of our faith? The
work of the Holy Spirit in our lives gives us a full and
accurate picture of God’s truth. The Catechism of the
Catholic Church, tells us, “By appreciation of the faith,
aroused and sustained by the Holy Spirit of truth,
the People of God, guided by the sacred teaching
authority (Magisterium)…receives…the faith…”
(CCC, 93). The search for truth is a fundamental
responsibility of every Christian, a search that all
parents are called to inspire in their children.
Closing PRAYER
You promised, O Lord, that you would give
us grace that breaks our hearts of stone.
I ask for that grace now. Instill in me the
understanding that the restlessness I know
can only find peace in you. Amen.
FAMILY CORNER
Points to Ponder
What’s Really True?
One of Saint Augustine’s most quoted statements
is “Our hearts are restless Lord, until they rest
in you.” Almost 1700 years after he wrote these words
we continue to ponder their meaning. As science
continues to unfold the workings of our biology,
those words take on new meaning. Brain research has
identified that our need for relationship, our need for
balance, even the things we crave, are part of our DNA.
The search for meaning and truth is truly a gift from
God. We must partner with the Holy Spirit to discern
(come to an understanding) of God’s truth. This is
challenging as the Holy Spirit’s voice is not the only
one we hear. The work of “the deceiver” is powerful
yet subtle. Jesus cautions us to “Stay awake!” His gift of
salvation assures us that because of our communion
with him, we are capable of discerning the truth. And
the Holy Spirit will provide us with the strength to act
on it.
l What process do you use to make decisions?
l How does God’s will factor into your process?
➥ To learn more, refer to CCC, 93, 215–217
or go to Booklet 1, Session 4 in Growing Faith.
Strengthen belief in the
True Presence of Jesus in the
Eucharist. Visit the Pflaum
Eucharist resources page.
Imprimatur: +Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, S.T.D., Bishop of Worcester, February 16, 2024.
Copyright © 2024 by Pflaum Publishing Group, a division of Bayard, Inc., sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption. Theological Reviewer: Reverend Michael T. Martine, S.T.B., J.C.L.; Publisher: David Dziena; Author and Editor: Jo Ann Paradise, Ph.D.;
Designer: Jennifer Poferl. Images: Olga Makhanova/shutterstock.com, Wiktoria Matynia/shutterstock.com, murat irfan yalcin/shutterstock.com, Macrovector/shutterstock.com, Vector/shutterstock.com, rodnay/shutterstock.com, New Africa/adobeimages.com.
Printed in the USA. Material in this supplement may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or format without special permission from the publisher.
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The Eucharist is the
supreme proof of the love
of Jesus. After this, there
is nothing more but Heaven
itself.
—Saint Peter Julian Eymard
Question of the Week
How does Jesus protect you?
Family Prayer
Lord, help us to be worthy of all your
promises. Teach us what you want us to do
and how we should treat others. Amen.
SAMPLE
Pflaum Publishing Group