Greater Good
Friday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 21:29-33 – Jesus told his disciples a parable. “Consider the fig tree and all the other trees. When their buds burst open, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near; in the same way, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near. Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“When you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Christians should always live in hope. Consider the recent Gospels we have read, speaking of signs of trouble, suffering, and destruction. These would be a grim set of readings but for the hope Jesus brings to them. We know these things will come, but after them will come the Kingdom of God.
The consequences of sin are great. Disease, destruction, natural disasters, death—all of these are the fruit of sin. But God has the power to take all these things, even sin itself, and turn them into a greater good. Christ’s attitude toward the bleak future indicates this hopeful reality. There is never a moment when Christians should be without hope. During prayer, ask God to increase our hope.
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.)
