Stand Up
Friday of the Fourth Week of Lent
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 7:1-2,10,25-30- Jesus moved about within Galilee; he did not wish to travel in Judea, because the Jews were trying to kill him. But the Jewish feast of Tabernacles was near. But when his brothers had gone up to the feast, he himself also went up, not openly but as it were in secret. Some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem said, “Is he not the one they are trying to kill? And look, he is speaking openly and they say nothing to him. Could the authorities have realized that he is the Christ? But we know where he is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from.” So Jesus cried out in the temple area as he was teaching and said, “You know me and also know where I am from. Yet I did not come on my own, but the one who sent me, whom you do not know, is true. I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” So they tried to arrest him, but no one laid a hand upon him, because his hour had not yet come.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“… the Jews were trying to kill Him.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Sometimes we don’t pay close attention to what the Gospels say because we have heard them so many times. But sometimes what they say can be truly shocking. Think about this: people were actually trying to kill Jesus during His public ministry. That’s a lot of pressure that He had to endure. And though He might have changed some travel plans (as we see in the Gospel), He doesn’t change His message. We should follow His example.
We might not have people trying to kill us for being Catholic, but we really do face some challenging situations in being Catholic. Our government, our media, and our largest entertainment outlets are trying to falsely redefine marriage and family, advance contraception, and promote abortion. And we cannot be silent. If we are good Christians we have to be ready to take a stand—in society, at work, at school, with co-workers, with friends, with family. If we suffer some opposition or insults—Christ says we are blessed. Why does this make us blessed? Because Christ is allowing us to share in what He went through, in His life. Are we willing to stand up for the truth? Ask for the grace and strength to stand up for the truth in prayer.
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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