Soul Over Success
Monday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 8: 11-13 - The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. He sighed from the depth of his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Amen, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” Then he left them, got into the boat again, and went off to the other shore.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“The Pharisees came forward and began to argue with Jesus… He sighed from the depth of his spirit”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus is perfectly balanced. On one hand we see his extreme patience, gentleness, and kindness. On the other hand we see his clear determination, firmness, and justice. And none of these are opposed. He is the complete and perfect man. Notice here that the Pharisees come to argue with Jesus, who doesn’t avoid confrontation. But amidst His deeply rooted disagreement with them, and even the justified anger He may have had here concerning their ignorance and their sin, look at how Jesus responds. He sighs deeply from His spirit.
Jesus cares about people disagreeing with Him... not only about proving their mistake wrong. Many serious Catholics have turned others who are atheists and non-believers, supporters of abortion and the redefinition of the family, inaccurate news anchors and dishonest politicians, fallen away Catholics and faithless priests… into their enemies. We serious Catholics sometimes become focused only on winning the argument. Certainly these are arguments worth having – and worth winning. But our opponent in the argument, is not our opponent in life. Caring about the argument is only one necessary part of the battle. Caring about the soul of the person we rightly disagree with is another. During prayer, let’s pray sincerely for those who oppose Christ and the Church, and as well for our own love to increase.
Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture 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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