First and Second
Feast of St. John, Apostle and Evangelist
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 20:2-8– On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him." So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Then the other disciple also went in…and he saw and believed.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Right after the Feast of St. Stephen, which reminds us of certain suffering and death, we celebrate the Feast of John the Evangelist and we read about his entering into Christ’s empty tomb with Peter. He enters this place of a death, and he finds it empty, void. Life has conquered death! And in these two days of Gospel readings after Christmas, the whole of reality is played out. After the difficulties of suffering and death, we will find them powerless because we will be united to the risen Lord.
We have much to celebrate indeed. Let’s consider in prayer, and then after prayer in discussion with the family, how we can celebrate more throughout this Christmas season. What things can we add to our days and nights that are festive, leisurely, and holy? We have every reason to celebrate!
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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