For and Against
Wednesday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 9:38-40- John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“For whoever is not against us is for us.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
It is easy to think that our personal way of living out the faith through our particular gifts and interests is the best way. We might have a real interest in serving others and think that’s the best way. Or we might spend a lot of time in prayer and think that’s the best way. Or we might be very active in some ministry or group in our parish and think that’s the best way. We might be both right and wrong. These particular areas might be where we individually need to focus, but others may need to focus on others areas.
There are many spiritual gifts, and different strengths given to each of us by God. We all possess one or a few of these very strongly. But none of us possesses all of the gifts. God made each of us unique. He gave us our particular gifts, interests, and talents. This is for a reason—for the benefit of others. St. Paul speaks of us, with our spiritual gifts, united together, as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). A body needs all its parts to function rightly. When we combine our gifts, we have much more strength than any one of us has individually. We need each other. During prayer, think of and thank God for your gifts, and the gifts of your family members.
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.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
