The Holy One
Tuesday of the Twenty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 4:31-37 - Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town of Galilee. He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching because he spoke with authority. In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. They were all amazed and said to one another, “What is there about his word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” And news of him spread everywhere in the surrounding region.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Notice that Jesus has power over evil. Should we be surprised that someone who is purely good has power over evil? The Pharisees are surprised by this. But we shouldn’t be. There is an important principle here to remember: good is always more powerful than evil. Knowing this, we have to make sure that our faith isn’t simply about saying “no” to evil, though certainly that’s part of our faith. More importantly though, we need to focus on saying “yes” to good, and on living virtuous lives. It is God’s goodness that gives power.
Parents can be great helps to their growing children in this regard. It is very important for parents to pray for and to encourage their children to avoid the wrong people, places, and things. But it is more important, and more powerful still, for parents to pray for and to encourage their children to stay close to the right people, places, and things. In prayer, consider who are the right people, places, and things. Consider also how much time, energy and money we spend on giving our family enjoyable ways to be good.
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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