The Father’s Hand
Fourth Sunday in Easter (C)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 10:27-30 - Jesus said: My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one can take them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can take them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The reason we focus on this type of prayer, Christian meditation (or mental prayer), each day is because it is prayer that helps us to listen. Most people do not hear God speak directly to them. But God still instructs us to listen. Christian meditation helps us accomplish this listening. Other things, like spiritual direction, can help with this as well, but meditation on Scripture is very important because every word of Scripture is true and inspired by the Holy Spirit, and many of its words come from the mouth of Christ.
A shepherd knows what is best for His sheep. Sheep, however, often don’t know what is best for themselves. God is like a shepherd, and we are like sheep. But God doesn’t just know what is best for us, He wants what is best for us too. God made us to be happy, and he desires our ultimate happiness even more than we do. Knowing that God wants our happiness should give us great hope, courage, and excitement to follow Him wherever He leads. In prayer, ask for the grace to be open to what the Good Shepherd wants, and for the grace to hear clearly when and where He is leading.
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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