Pity Pity
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 17:11-19 – As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, "Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!" And when he saw them, he said, "Go show yourselves to the priests." As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" Then he said to him, "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“… Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Leprosy was a terrible disease that made its victims physically unclean, socially unacceptable, and, for the Jews, religiously unworthy. In the time of Jesus, it devastated the lives of its victims. What this disease does to its victims is comparable to what sin does to us spiritually. Make no mistake, sin is a terrible thing, and it can destroy us.
But Jesus is stronger than sin, and He destroys it for us. He destroys it by drawing close to us who are filled with it (like He does with the lepers). He approaches the lepers and lets them approach him. Then, he heals their disease. When we sin, we usually want to run from God and hide. This is a mistake. He knows our sin, and He has the power to forgive us, heal us, and make us strong and healthy. We should make a habit of approaching God, confessing our sins to Him, and thanking Him for His healing presence. Let’s consider our sins during prayer and pray an act of contrition.
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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