Common vs. Holy
Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 7:6, 12-14 - Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction… How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus is telling us that our choices and actions have consequences. We can choose what we do, but we can’t choose the consequences. This is a fundamental aspect of life. Just as we can’t choose to smoke constantly and then live to be one hundred, so we can’t just make whatever moral choices other people in our school, work, neighborhood, etc. are making, and then expect that we will end up happy.
Jesus says the road is “broad that leads to destruction.” We live in a time where the most popular marriages are unstable, the most popular music and movies are inappropriate, the most popular way to date is unhealthy, the most popular politics are harmful… So we can’t just be like everybody else. The common way doesn’t work. We have to be more intentional. As attractive as the popular choices can seem, they always, always, always, lead to separation, sadness, and to destruction. Choose wisely.
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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