Lectionary: 6C
Read: Luke 3:1-6
Gospel Summary
In today’s Gospel, Luke places the beginning of John the Baptist’s ministry within a historical context. He sets John’s ministry in time by telling us who were the rulers and leaders in the region. We recognize many of the names—Pontius Pilate, Herod, Annas, and Caiaphas. Into this time comes John, proclaiming a baptism of repentance and preparing the way of the Lord.
Reflection for Parents
Valleys, mountains, winding roads, and rough ways are all a part of the journey of life. As parents, our task is to teach our children how to apply faith in God and Christian values to help straighten out or make right what is wrong, and to help make smooth what is difficult or rough. Seeking forgiveness from one another and from God is one of the greatest ways we can do so. Take a few moments to ask God to place within you a forgiving heart so that you may teach your children to walk in the ways of forgiveness and love.
Bringing the Good News Into Your Family
As a family, recall the bumpiest, hilliest, most snow-covered, pothole-full, curviest, narrowest, and scariest roads you have ever driven on. Talk about things that create the bumps, hills, potholes, curves, and dangers on the road to Heaven. For example, anger creates a bump on the road to Heaven and little white lies create curves in the straight path to God. Then brainstorm things you can do this Advent to smooth and straighten the road to God, including forgiving one another and following God’s Word.
Discussion Starters
- If I could give one message about God to everyone I know, my message would be . . .
- Something that keeps getting in my way on the road to Heaven is . . .
- One thing I can do to make the way of the Lord straighter is . . .
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