The Father’s Will
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 21: 28 - 32 - Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: "What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, 'Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' He said in reply, 'I will not, ' but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, 'Yes, sir, ‘but did not go. Which of the two did his father's will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him."
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
"What is your opinion?”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
We have to deal with the claims of the Gospel. We have to face them in our opinions, minds, hearts, and lives. There comes a sudden point for many Christian parents, when they are reading or listening to the Scriptures with their children, when unexpectedly they hear (from the mouth of the Lord!) something uncomfortable, something juicy, something they hope their kids didn’t hear and certainly hope their kids don’t ask about. This happens in today’s Gospel. And while parents may choose to temper their explanations, the reading certainly does shake them with the reminder of something we all too often forget. The Gospel should shock us. And when it does, then we will realize something of how radical the grace of Jesus Christ is. It is shocking that the infinitely good God goes where He does to gather His lost children.
Certainly it matters ultimately that we would “do” the Father’s will. And the Father’s will for us includes much hard work. But it also ultimately matters that we would “believe” in the Father’s mercy. And for many people, belief is much harder than whatever work God asks us to do. Believing in God’s mercy can be hard for different reasons, either because we have an ignorant heart, thinking no wrong has been done; because we have a heart hardened by the wrong others have done; or because we have a broken heart due to the wrong we have done. There is a good chance that each of us struggles with at least one of these. Our hearts may be sick, but let us not despair, God’s mercy is infinite. It is shocking that the infinitely good God comes where He does to gather us as His new children. But He does. So believe it!
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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