Who Then Is This?
Thursday of the Twenty-Fifth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 9:7-9 - Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Who then is this about whom I hear such things?”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Regardless of whether people love Christ or not, people have always been fascinated by Him. This is true today, and it was true in Christ’s time. In this story, Herod is one of those people who is very interested in Christ. Christians—and many opposed to Christianity—are also captivated by Christ. Very often, people are intrigued by the same fundamental question: Who is He?
Just like in the Gospels, today there are many different ideas about who Christ is: “Some were saying… Others were saying… Still others…” But just because someone is interested in Christ does not mean that they really understand who He is. Many books, shows, articles, and movies exist about famous people, but rarely do the authors really know the person about whom they write. On the other hand, a famous person’s spouse, brother, or best friend really does know the person because a relationship of love (not just interest) has brought them to a deeper understanding. The only voices worth listening to about Christ are those of people living a genuine relationship of love with Christ. The foremost of these voices is that of the Church, whom Christ calls His Bride.
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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