Raise Your Heads
Thursday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 21:20-28 Jesus said to his disciples: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is at hand. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Let those within the city escape from it, and let those in the countryside not enter the city, for these days are the time of punishment when all the Scriptures are fulfilled. Woe to pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days, for a terrible calamity will come upon the earth and a wrathful judgment upon this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken as captives to all the Gentiles; and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
"There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on earth nations will be in dismay, perplexed by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will die of fright in anticipation of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Certainly, the trouble and the strife that Jesus speaks of can be concerning. This is often how it is when one kingdom, or age, or season, passes and gives way to another. This is the case with the destruction of Jerusalem, the end of time, and with death. Though these things might give us cause for concern, Jesus isn’t caught up in temporary troubles. Jesus is focused on eternal redemption—beyond any worldly, temporary trouble.
There is not an occasion (not even at the end of time, not even at death) where God is not providing great blessings for us. We should take immense courage in knowing that right amidst the most daunting events and trials of human life, God stands with His redemption. This reality takes even severe pain and turns it into an occasion for hope and rejoicing. During prayer, consider the toughest trial facing each of us. Now see God in the midst of that trial offering us redemption, joy, and Himself.
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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