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In the Scriptures and in the Lives of the Saints, we find many engaging stories that tell how God makes his presence known to people through Nature. Even the animals give testimony to the presence of their Creator. The Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us, "Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence, they bless him and give him glory. Thus, men owe them kindness” (CCC, 2416).
Tell these stories of two donkeys who showed people the presence of God. Ask children to share about animals that reminded them of God’s love.
Balaam’s Donkey. In the Book of Numbers, Chapters 22-24, we meet Balaam, who served a pagan king who was an enemy of Israel. Balaam was highly regarded as a prophet who could bless or curse with his words. The king wanted Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites, and offered to reward him handsomely. God warned Balaam not to do it, but Balaam mounted his faithful donkey to go and announce the curse. On the way the donkey mysteriously stopped, knelt down and refused to move. Even though Balaam beat the poor beast mercilessly, it refused to continue. Scripture tells us the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and the donkey spoke, “What have I done to you to make you beat me like this?” Outraged Balaam cried, “You have made a fool of me! If only I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now!” Then God opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord in the road, sword drawn to strike him. Balaam recognized God’s presence and bowed down in the dust. He turned back and did not curse God’s people. Instead, he blessed them; and Israel prevailed against the enemy army.
Saint Anthony and the Donkey. In the Middle Ages, much like in today’s society, some people denied the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Anthony engaged in several public debates with them but, although they could not out-argue him, they were not yet ready to give in. One day one of them demanded a miraculous proof, “If you can make my donkey bow down before what you call the Body of Christ, I will believe.” Anthony agreed, leaving the outcome to God. For three days the unbelieving man kept his donkey penned up without food. On the third day, a great crowd gathered in the city square. Anthony celebrated Mass in a little chapel and at the end he came out carrying the Blessed Sacrament. Meanwhile, the hungry donkey had also been brought along, and a basket of feed was placed in front of the starved animal. Anthony called out, “Donkey! Come here and show reverence to your Creator!” At once the animal came towards Anthony and bowed its head and knelt before the Sacrament. The owner of the donkey and many unbelievers were reconciled to the Church that day. More about Saint Anthony http://saintsresource.com/anthony-of-padua.
Each unit of Blest Are We Faith in Action offers a Saint of the Week and stories from Scripture that reveal God at work in our own lives. Use the new Scripture Videos in the Grade Level Organizers in your RCL Benziger Flourish account to enhance your storytelling.
About the AuthorDr. Lauri Przybysz specializes in equipping families to live their vocation to be domestic churches and signs of God’s love. Lauri received the Doctor of Ministry from the Catholic University of America, and she has been both a Catholic middle school religion teacher and a faith formation coordinator at the archdiocesan and parish levels. She is the mother of six children and grandmother of 21.
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Blest Are We Faith in Act
ion for Schools
Program offers:
- Faith in Action pages for each chapter, establishing a strong connection to Catholic Social Teaching
- Redesigned Take Home pages, supporting families in the faith formation of their children
- Increased focus on children with special learning needs, addressing practical ways to adapt lessons
- Training Videos for Teachers, eBooks, eAssessments, Family Resources, Catholic Resources, Saints Resources, Lectionary Resources, and more!
- New for the Blest Are We Faith in Action Series – Scripture Videos for Grades 1-8!
Enjoy a selection of 40 Biblical scripture story videos that accompany the student lesson pages in our Blest Are We Faith in Action series. These Catholic Bible stories, saint stories, and parables of Jesus, enhance the Catholic Faith lessons in your classroom. There are five unique scripture videos per grade level for students in grades 1-8.