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Monday of the Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 6:53-56 - After making the crossing to the other side of the sea, Jesus and his disciples came to land at Gennesaret and tied up there. As they were leaving the boat, people immediately recognized him. They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. Whatever villages or towns or countryside he entered, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak; and as many as touched it were healed.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“They scurried about the surrounding country and began to bring in the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Isn’t this a great scene from the Gospel? People are about their daily business, going around town as normal, when Jesus shows up. Then there is a frenzy. St. Mark writes that they “scurried.” It’s almost funny to picture grown-ups, professionals, old people, town officials, etc., all scurrying around, collecting their sick family, friends, and neighbors to bring them in to Christ while He is in their region. They drop what they are doing because something more important is at hand.
We have to do the same. We never know when Christ is going to show up. All of a sudden, sometimes, He can strike us with His presence. By His presence He may grant us great peace amidst trials, or clear direction in a long-considered decision, or a deep consolation from the Holy Spirit. These are great gifts of grace from God. The proper response is to draw closer to Him as well. In these moments we should put aside what we are doing and attend to the Lord Jesus, who shows up unexpectedly. Can we recall a time when, unexpectedly, the Lord has drawn close to us?
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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