Don’t Worry
Saturday of the Twenty-Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 12:8-12 – Jesus said to his disciples: "I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.
"Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry…”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Notice that Jesus doesn’t say “if” they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities. He says “when.” If we really live a holy Catholic life guided by the Holy Spirit then it is inevitable that we will encounter some challenges, some questions, some trouble, even some persecution. Such difficulties will certainly come from non-Christian or anti-Christian people, but it might also come from other Christians. Remember it was both the Jews and the Romans together who put Jesus to death.
We should expect some push back from the world if we are really living out our faith. And we shouldn’t let it drag us down. Instead, we should take courage! Has there been a time at work, at school, with strangers, with friends, with family—when we have been challenged about our faith? If so, this is a sign that we really are probably living a Christian life, and that we do belong to Christ. He is sharing some of His life with us. He is letting us share in His getting rejected. He’s letting us share in His cross. This will lead us to share with Him in His resurrection. When we get trouble in this world, let’s take courage!
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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