Do Not Be Afraid
Friday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 12:1-7 – At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven--that is, the hypocrisy--of the Pharisees.
"There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus tells us to take care of our souls. Are our souls healthy and thriving? He tells us that concern for our souls is of much greater importance than the other things we worry about: money, housing, school, work, sports, Saturday night, clothes, laundry, etc., etc., etc. None of these compares to the value of our souls.
We have too much fear. Does it comfort you that Jesus, who has infinite power, says, “Do not be afraid”? God watches over us! The best way to care for our souls and to eliminate our fear is to stay very close to God our Father who is attentive to us and who will save our eternal souls. Are there some practical ways we can better rely on God as our Father and draw closer to Him?
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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