Pride is Poison
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 14:1, 7-14 - On a sabbath Jesus went to dine at the home of one of the leading Pharisees, and the people there were observing him carefully.
He told a parable to those who had been invited, noticing how they were choosing the places of honor at the table. “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, do not recline at table in the place of honor. A more distinguished guest than you may have been invited by him, and the host who invited both of you may approach you and say, 'Give your place to this man,' and then you would proceed with embarrassment to take the lowest place. Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.' Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Then he said to the host who invited him, “When you hold a lunch or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your wealthy neighbors, in case they may invite you back and you have repayment. Rather, when you hold a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; blessed indeed will you be because of their inability to repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus tells this parable about humility to a group of people at a dinner He is attending. Obviously, He notices some people seeking to be put in places of honor at the meal. What if Jesus came to one of our parties with a group of our friends? Would he see the same kind of behavior? Most people love receiving honor and special attention. Most of us want to stand out above others.
We have to be very careful about our pride. Pride not only makes us love ourselves too much, pride also makes us despise others. If we want to be considered greater, then others must be considered lesser. Pride is like poison. During prayer, let’s examine how each of us needs to battle the sin of pride. Is there something humble we can do as an antidote to the poison of pride?
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)
