We Can Be Great Saints
Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
For a shorter option of today’s Gospel reading, please visit: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Mark 10:35-45 - James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, ‘Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” He replied, ‘What do you wish me to do for you?” They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” They said to him, ‘We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“…whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
It is good to remember that the Apostles were sinners. They had weaknesses, pride, and sin. In the Gospel today, James and John ask for special treatment in the Kingdom of God, and the other Apostles become indignant. Not a pretty scene. But it is important to note that Jesus doesn’t cast them away for their imperfections and their offenses against each other and against God; instead, Jesus chooses to use them to build His Church. He can do this because ultimately God is the strength of the Church, not its human leaders.
But there is something even more important to notice here. These imperfect men become saints! They grow consistently in faith, love, virtue, and especially grace, and over time they become saints. Saints, actually saints! We also are weak, prideful, sinful people. So what?! If we open ourselves to grace and consistently grow in faith, love, and virtue, we will be saints as well. We can even be great saints. The Catholic Church is built on this reality. In prayer, ask God to please help us to persevere!
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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