Recline at Table
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 13:22-30 – Jesus passed through towns and villages, teaching as he went and making his way to Jerusalem. Someone asked him, "Lord, will only a few people be saved?" He answered them, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough. After the master of the house has arisen and locked the door, then will you stand outside knocking and saying, 'Lord, open the door for us.' He will say to you in reply, 'I do not know where you are from.' And you will say, 'We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets.' Then he will say to you, 'I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you evildoers!' And there will be wailing and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God and you the south and will recline at table in the Kingdom of God. For behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“I do not know where you are from.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The Jews of Jesus’ day regarded themselves as very privileged because of their special relationship with God. God had set them apart and given them the law. But the Scriptures are clear that it is not enough simply to have received the law. The Jews needed to live by the law. So, it is shocking and insulting to them when Jesus speaks to them through his parable saying, “I do not know where you are from.” In the parable he compares God to the master of a house who allows all kinds of people from east and west and north and south into his home, but who locks out those who thought of themselves as privileged guests.
We Catholics need to be very clear that though we have the fullness of truth, that alone will not save us. We need to live according to that truth. Being Catholic isn’t enough. Living Catholic is. Are we striving to live the Catholic life? This is what Jesus chooses to stress to us—we should pay careful attention.
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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