A Child
Monday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 9:46-50 - An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
Then John said in reply, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow in our company.” Jesus said to him, “Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
We often wrongly think that we can only be humble if we have no pride. If this were true, the apostles in this Gospel story would be far from humility. But we are wrong. The opportunity for humility is right there in front of them. True humility isn’t so much about the absence of pride as it is about accepting the truth about what we really are. A humble man might recognize that he is continuously tempted to be prideful, and therefore see that He needs the help of God. Humility helps us not to focus excessively on ourselves (on our greatness or on our misery), but to focus mainly on God.
This is why humility is so important. It is the key to accessing the grace of God. A humble woman knows that she is too small, too weak, too sinful to bring herself into union with God. But more importantly, she knows that God, in His mercy, chooses to descend to her in her misery. The humble can ask for anything from God. They don’t ask for tiny blessings according to their tiny goodness. Instead they ask for infinite blessings according to His infinite goodness. God is our Father who wants to bless us more that we deserve. Like children, we have to focus on Him, not ourselves.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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