Something Greater
Wednesday of the First Week of Lent
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 11:29-32 - While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“...there is something greater than Solomon here…there is something greater than Jonah here.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus is speaking to His generation of Jews. He provides two examples from Jewish history where Gentile pagans turned and listened to God. One of these examples is the men of Nineveh who repented when the prophet Jonah preached to them. The other is the queen of Sheba who traveled from her kingdom to hear the wisdom of Solomon, King of Israel. Many of the Jews of Jesus’ day refused to believe in Him because they wanted to see particular signs. Jesus challenges them by speaking of pagans who are closer to God due to their repentance and faith.
As Catholics, we are privileged more than any other people on earth because we have received the fullness of truth. We are also particularly responsible for the truth we have been given. Many Catholics squander their faith. They do not care for the teachings, the practices, or the worship of the Church. The Lord is speaking to them in the Gospel today. There are many other Catholics though, who treasure their faith. They truly believe that “something greater is here” than they could ever find anywhere else. We have been given the greatest gift on earth. Are we thankful? Are we repenting from sin? Do we believe Christ’s teachings?
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)
