Please Leave
Wednesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 8: 28-34 - When Jesus came to the territory of the Gadarenes, two demoniacs who were coming from the tombs met him They were so savage that no one could travel by that road. They cried out, “What have you to do with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the appointed time?” Some distance away a herd of many swine was feeding the demons pleaded with him, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of swine.” And he said to them, “Go then!” They came out and entered the swine, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea where they drowned. The swineherds ran away, and when they came to the town they reported everything, including what had happened to the demoniacs. Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him they begged him to leave their district.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Thereupon the whole town came out to meet Jesus, and when they say Him they begged Him to leave their district.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
What a sad response from the townspeople across the sea. God Himself comes to visit their town, and He heals two human beings of the terrible suffering of demonic possession. But these people’s hearts aren’t looking for God. They are pagans. Their greatest concern seems to be the great financial loss of having pigs drowned in the sea. And so they miss the chance to welcome their God, and instead they ask Him to leave. They also miss the great joy of welcoming the two healed men back into health and society.
There are many people today who aren’t looking for God because they are too concerned with finances. Some examples are obvious: those in the abortion industry, those selling drugs, those making explicit or inappropriate websites, TV shows, movies. But then what about us? Perhaps in more subtle ways, do we fall into this trap as well? Are we giving enough to charity? Or do we love to buy more and more? Are we too concerned with saving? Is our money-making career taking over our faith-life? We, like the townspeople in the Gospel, will end up missing God and missing others if we are too concerned with finances. How lonely would the world be if we had all the money in it, but no God and no one else to enjoy?
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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