Good and Bad Hunger
Monday of the Third Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 6:22-29 - [After Jesus had fed the five thousand men, his disciples saw him walking on the sea.] The next day, the crowd that remained across the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not gone along with his disciples in the boat, but only his disciples had left. Other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they had eaten the bread when the Lord gave thanks. When the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they themselves got into boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. And when they found him across the sea they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled. Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.” So they said to him, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“This is the work of God, that you believe in the one he sent.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The crowds ask Jesus a question that sounds very pious and faithful, “What can we do to accomplish the works of God?” As good as this question sounds, their focus is incorrect. The crowds are focused on the good they can accomplish themselves. Jesus turns the focus back to God (to Himself). Our job is to believe in Christ; His job is to accomplish His works.
In the Gospels, it is the faith of believers that amazes Jesus and moves Him to action. Faith is closely related to humility. The virtue of humility is so necessary to the Christian life. It takes the focus off of us and places it on God. It’s really all we can bring to the table—an awareness that we can do nothing, mixed with a trust that He can accomplish anything. “This is the work of God, that you believe in the one He sent.” In prayer, beg God to increase our faith and our reliance on Jesus Christ.
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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