So Much More
Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 20:20-25 Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved, the one who had also reclined upon his chest during the supper and had said, “Master, who is the one who will betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said to him, “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours? You follow me.” So the word spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. But Jesus had not told him that he would not die, just “What if I want him to remain until I come? What concern is it of yours?”
It is this disciple who testifies to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Peter turned and saw the disciple following whom Jesus loved…When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, what about him?’”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The apostles were a close group (actually the whole body of disciples were). Certainly, they had their arguments, but they had some very deep friendships. We can gather this from the Gospels, and see it explicitly in the Acts of the Apostles. The friendship of Peter and John is a particularly great one. They are main characters in the Gospels, and their relationship is revealed in particular, here, at the end of the Gospel of John and in the Book of Acts. Acts even speaks of specific time they spent together.
Neither of them possessed all the necessary Christian gifts. But combined, they must have been an amazing team. Peter had great passion, boldness, and leadership. John had great depth, faithfulness, and love. Similarly, none of us has everything we need in the Christian life. We need to rely upon others for strengths and for gifts that we don’t possess. And others need to rely on us for gifts that they lack. Marriages and families are like this too. We are all necessary parts of the one Body of Christ. We should develop our unique qualities, interests, and talents. Also, we should encourage these in others. In prayer, consider some gifts that each member of our family is blessed with. After prayer, tell them!
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.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
