Distractions
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 16:29-33- The disciples said to Jesus, “Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
There are many wonderful things to meditate on in this Gospel. For instance, we can ponder how Jesus is stronger than all that troubles us; how we can be confident that He is already victorious; how He knows that we will leave him, and sin, but gives us His blessings anyway. All of these thoughts are worthy of reflection. But we will focus on Jesus’ words about being alone. Jesus tells His disciples that, even though they’ll leave Him, He won’t be alone, because His Father is with Him.
There is an old contemplative phrase, “You are never less alone than when you are by yourself.” Jesus commonly would leave the crowds to find time alone…alone with His Father. We must get comfortable being alone…alone with God, to pray. We have a problem when, the second we’re alone, we turn on the TV, the internet, or our phone. These distractions might be some of our greatest obstacles to a closer relationship with God. Consider what we fill our alone-time with. Can we commit to avoiding these distractions for a day? Or a week? See if those alone-times aren’t then filled with great company–the company of God.
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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