Save or Destroy
Monday of the Twenty-Third Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 6:6-11 - On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the Sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so and his hand was restored. But they became enraged and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Looking around at them all, he then said to him, “Stretch out your hand.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
In the Gospel, Jesus is angry at how pathetic the intentions of the Pharisees are. They are watching Him closely, and they are a great threat to His safety. What does Jesus do about it? Does He back down? Not only does Jesus not back down, but He addresses His accusers publicly. Jesus is not ashamed of doing good, no matter what the cost.
How often are we afraid to correct someone who is saying or doing something wrong? How often do people say something inappropriate, or untrue about the Church, or say the Lord’s Name disrespectfully, and we say nothing? How often are people doing something harmful to their marriage, or family, or integrity, or soul, and we say nothing? Jesus was convinced that speaking the truth was more important than what other people thought of Him. We have to risk what people think of us, risk having awkward situations, or risk rejection from others for the sake of the truth. Truth is more important than our reputation from others.
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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