Call Down Fire
Tuesday of the Twenty-Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 9:51-56 - When the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled, he resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, and he sent messengers ahead of him. On the way they entered a Samaritan village to prepare for his reception there, but they would not welcome him because the destination of his journey was Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?” Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they journeyed to another village.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The people of the Samaritan village reject Jesus. When James and John see this, they ask Jesus if He wants to destroy them, but instead He walks away. At first glance, the Samaritans seem pretty lucky. The Lord could have destroyed them, but He doesn’t. Probably, the Lord is being gentle with them because of their ignorance. But something very drastic and sad does happen to this village—the Lord passes their way, and then walks away from them. Consider the opportunity they are passing up. The Lord comes to them, and they reject Him! What a dramatic loss…
We cannot be like the people in this village. When the Lord passes by, we have to respond immediately. Our response can’t be: “I’ll pay attention when I’m financially secure,” or “I’ll behave when I’m through with college,” or “I’ll be faithful when I’m old,” or “I’ll respond tomorrow,” … The Lord may not be passing by tomorrow. Today is the day of salvation.
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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