My Servant
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 12:14-21- The Pharisees went out and took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
When Jesus realized this, he withdrew from that place. Many people followed him, and he cured them all, but he warned them not to make him known. This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet:
Behold, my servant whom I have chosen,
my beloved in whom I delight;
I shall place my Spirit upon him,
and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.
He will not contend or cry out,
nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
a smoldering wick he will not quench,
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“This was to fulfill what had been spoken through Isaiah the prophet…”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The Gospel writers, Matthew in particular, point out how the works and events of Jesus’ life fulfill the long-awaited hopes of Israel and of humanity. This brings up a very simple, but important, point that having Jesus in one’s life matters deeply. The prophets bear witness to the fact that the only hope of the Jews and the Gentiles rests in God visiting them in His mercy.
In the modern world we are often told to believe that all religions, beliefs, and moralities are equally good and have the same (often unimportant) consequences. This is not Biblical, and it is not true. It matters greatly whether someone has a good relationship with Christ. The greatest act of love that we can offer people is to help them know Jesus Christ. We should do this through our actions, words, smiles, and even through loving disagreements. But, like the prophets, we need to be convinced that the happiness and well-being of others ultimately rests on their relationship with Jesus. In prayer, consider who might need our loving offer to help them know Christ better.
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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