Seek the Will
Tuesday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 3:31-35- The mother of Jesus and his brothers arrived at the house. Standing outside, they sent word to Jesus and called him. A crowd seated around him told him, “Your mother and your brothers and your sisters are outside asking for you.” But he said to them in reply, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking around at those seated in the circle he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“For whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus’ Mother and some of his cousins (called “brothers”) come to see Him when He is preaching in a town nearby. Maybe they were coming to surprise Him. If they heard Jesus’ response, they might have had a bit of disappointment. Most mothers would. But because we know Mary was sinless, we know she didn’t have any self-pity. She knows her Son always does what is best, so she gives Him the benefit of the doubt, and probably spends time reflecting on this event in her heart.
Certainly Jesus was the most loving Son that ever walked the earth. Certainly He always did what was best for His Mother. Because Mary would have reflected on this event, she would have realized that Jesus was not putting her off, but silently honoring her. “Whoever does the will of God is my… mother.” Other than Christ, no one ever did the will of God more perfectly than Mary. She was the single most worthy of recipient of this statement of Christ. After reflection, she would have joyfully known that her Son had thought of her especially while amidst the crowd, giving her a secret honor that only she could have recognized. We also must reflect on our sufferings to realize that though God allows us who serve Him to suffer, He allows it for our good and for our ultimate joy.
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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