Today, Tomorrow, Always
Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 13: 31-35 - Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Yet I must continue on my way, today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Does Jesus want to suffer? Of course not; no one wants to suffer. But Jesus is willing to suffer. And this is extremely important for us to understand. There are many people today who take drastic measures to avoid the pain of suffering. Now, Jesus dislikes the pain of suffering just as much as these people…so why doesn’t He take drastic measures to avoid it? Why does He say He must continue to Jerusalem where He will suffer and die? Whereas many people see suffering as meaningless, Jesus sees it as full of meaning.
Every moment that Jesus lives, everything that He experiences or touches, is given new meaning. That is why, for instance, when He touches people, they are healed. When Jesus experiences suffering (our human suffering), He transforms suffering into an experience of salvation. So, human suffering, through Christ’s suffering, is no longer meaningless…it has the power to save our souls. Our personal suffering, then, also has the power to participate in saving other peoples’ souls. There is nothing like suffering to bring about true good in the world, and in eternity. We must accept the sufferings in our lives that we can’t change. Perhaps Jesus is using them to save our souls and the souls of others!
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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