Take Watch

Saturday of the Thirty-Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family

Luke 21:34-36 - Jesus said to his disciples:  "Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap. For that day will assault everyone who lives on the face of the earth. Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man."

(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud

“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy…” 

(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family

A very sleepy person has trouble doing anything.  He can’t listen well.  He can’t respond lucidly.  He can’t even keep his eyes open!  Too tired from the many demands of the long day, he can’t do the very simplest of things.  The love in our hearts can become very drowsy too.  And Jesus tells us that we must fight against this drowsiness.

Jesus names the things that make our hearts drowsy—they are sin, and the anxieties of daily life.  If we refuse to fight against sin, eventually our hearts won’t be able to respond to God.  If we refuse to fight against too much busyness and worry, our hearts won’t be able to respond to God.  WAKE UP!  Examine your conscience during prayer and see what sins or extra activities are dulling your love and making your heart drowsy.   

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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Lee McMahon

Lee is a Catholic media freelancer based in Kansas City, Kansas. He works with nonprofits and for-profit organizations alike to help achieve their media and design needs with a refreshing, modern aesthetic.

https://leemcm.com
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