Press Upon
Thursday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 3:7-12 – Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Oftentimes the greatest witness that someone can present to others about Christ isn’t their words or their reasonable argument, but the fact that the way they live has changed. Jesus had already cured many, and as a result of these wonders, others wished for the same things for themselves. If we are healed (or at least greatly improved) in our impatience, or harshness, or bad temper, or lust, or laziness, etc… that will be the greatest witness we can provide to our families and friends about the power of Christ.
It may not seem so at first, but everyone today really wants to see people who are truly good. Deep down they have some hope that maybe it can really happen. Christians are to be this witness. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). If we don’t give this witness, who will? Christ will heal us from our weakness and our darkness—some of us rather quickly, but some over long periods of time. Then we will shine like a city on a hill. We must seek Christ’s healing and then follow His instruction to “go and sin no more.” In prayer, ask where it is that Christ is giving us opportunities to improve in areas of weakness.
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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