Leave Behind
Wednesday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 1:29-39 - On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them.
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him.
Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“For this purpose have I come.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
In the Gospels there are times when Jesus leaves a place or people who are in need. This may trouble us. Don’t worry, Jesus loves everyone and He always does what is best for people. If He seems cold or indifferent or leaves a person or place in need, we must understand that Jesus knows the situation, sees all things, and understands the people’s deeper needs. For example, a non-Jewish woman had to beg Jesus to heal her daughter. Jesus not only healed her daughter, but, in the process He masterfully challenged and increased the woman’s faith.
There’s a difference between Jesus’ ultimate mission and his public ministry. Jesus’ mission is to reconcile the world to God, saving us by the forgiveness of sins. This mission is for all. His ministry is different. He ministers most directly to the “lost sheep of Israel.” He doesn’t go everywhere to everyone (though He came for everyone). He saves the world (including those He leaves) while working only with a small group of people in the world. We also must know our purpose. Our gift to the world is mostly given by our faithfully working in our little area. The family is our primary ministry: it comes before volunteering, church retreats, or ministering to extended family. What can we leave behind in order to better fulfill our purpose?
(Note: the point on our families as our primary mission, is especially true for spouses and parents. Children will live their own individual missions more particularly one day.)
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)
