Strength Struggle
Tuesday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 21:5-11– 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."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus is speaking during the last week before His Death. It makes sense, then, that He speaks of things like the End of Time, the destruction of the Temple and of Jerusalem, and the coming of others who will falsely say that they are the Christ. Jesus is preparing His followers for troubled times. “Such things must happen first,” He tells them.
The death of Jesus isn’t just a massive historical event. It is a cosmic event. All of the universe—all of reality—entangled in the war between good and evil, is necessarily affected by the Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Don’t be surprised that our lives as Christians will involve difficulty and suffering. Evil will hurl its last dying strength at those of us who are victors with Christ. It will cause us pain, no doubt, but this is what must come before eternal victory!
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.)
