Soul Security
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 21:5-19 – While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, "All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down."
Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,’ and 'The time has come.’ Do not follow them! When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end." Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.
"Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“By your perseverance you will secure your lives."
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
People don’t want to think about suffering or death—and it is somewhat natural to want to avoid these things. But we have to accept them. Suffering and death are realities. They happen to everyone. No one escapes them. Many people fear that if they accept the reality of suffering and death, their lives won’t be as happy. But this isn’t true. Quite the contrary! If we ignore and avoid suffering and death, we won’t live nearly as well, and our lives on earth will not be as rich and meaningful. If we always act like death isn’t real we’ll end up wasting all our time living for comfort, pleasure, power, and the things of the world. Our lives will become empty and only about ourselves.
Jesus, on the other hand, talks about suffering and death. He’s not timid about it at all. Jesus tells His listeners—and He tells us—to expect them. In fact, Jesus expects suffering and death forHimself. But Jesus does not fear them because He is greater than they are. And, in the end, He conquers them with His Resurrection. Jesus’ suffering and Death are really like doorways into everlasting glory. If we are united with Christ, our sufferings and death will also be doorways to happiness in heaven and even to happiness here on earth. In prayer, consider one little suffering that we can accept today as a gift.
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)
