I Have Chosen
Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 15:18-21- Jesus said to his disciples: “If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own; but because you do not belong to the world, and I have chosen you out of the world, the world hates you. Remember the word I spoke to you, ‘No slave is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. And they will do all these things to you on account of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
A Christian isn’t just someone who remembers Christ and tries to be like Him. Ultimately, a Christian shares in Christ’s Life as a member of His Body. As Christians we are really in union with Christ. It shouldn’t shock us if we are hated or if we suffer persecutions for our Faith. Actually, it should shock us if we don’t. Jesus often dealt with run-ins, disagreements, accusations, lies, and enemies of the truth. Often we try to avoid these things at all costs. But to do so is to reject union with Christ’s suffering.
Fortunately, we live in a society where we can practice our Faith without violent persecution, but we should be very aware that there is a growing, strengthening, anti-Christian agenda at work in our society. We need to be very strong in the face of false ideas about marriage, family, religion, conscience, reproductive rights, etc. We need to be strong in love and in truth–otherwise we’re not acting as Christians. Christ always stands strong in love and truth, and we need to do the same today. What is one thing we can do today to courageously proclaim our Catholic Faith?
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)
