Deserted Place
Friday after Epiphany
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 5:12-16 – It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“… but He would withdraw to deserted places to pray.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Everyone knows people who are good examples of prayer: their grandma, their priest, their young child. All of these can be great aids to prayer. But the greatest example of prayer for us should be Jesus. Jesus is perfect. There is so much we can learn from His approach to prayer. What is wonderful, though, is that much of it is very easy to apply.
The Gospels tell us much about when, where, why, how Jesus prayed. Of course Jesus prayed often about many things, but these few chapters of Luke show us certain specifics. Jesus would take periods of time aside from daily life and work for prayer. He would do this alone. He would do this often in the morning or evening. (We can assume because it would be easier to focus with less distractions). Jesus prioritized his prayer. (He even set aside healing the very sick to pray). Do we prioritize our prayer like this? If no, we need to be more like Jesus. If yes, we’re doing a great thing.
Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture above. (Optional – allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and pray
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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