Take time to read and reflect on the Scriptures for this Sunday.

Don’t have access to a Bible?

Visit www.usccb.org/bible/readings or download an app such as Laudate or iBreviary to access the Mass readings.
 

Isaiah 53:10-11

Through his suffering, he will justify many. 

Psalm 33

Lord, let your mercy be upon us for we place our trust in you. 

Hebrews 4:14-16

We have an advocate who can sympathize with us. 

Mark 10:35-45

Whoever wishes to be first among you will be slave of all. 

Teach your child how to be a servant leader when they experience conflict

• Listen for your child’s vulnerability: Beneath the surface of any conflict your child experiences will lurk some kind of vulnerability or fear. When your child tells you about a conflict, listen attentively. This means a lot to them. Be attentive to where your child feels vulnerable.

• Reflect back what your child shared with you: Ensure that your child knows that you understand their concern. It matters a lot that you are there with them in their vulnerability.

• Share a story about a similar experience of vulnerability: Tell your child a story about how you, or someone you respect, experienced a similar vulnerability and endured suffering in the form of fear or humiliation. I shared with my older daughter how having a little sister made me worry about losing my place in the family when my little sister showed up. I also remember learning that great teachers in the Church like St. Therese of Lisieux and St. John of the Cross endured serious criticism in their day.

• Let your child know that God makes leaders from the vulnerable: Let your child know that servant leadership means experiencing vulnerability. However, if we stay connected to Jesus and do the right and loving thing, even when it’s hard, growth comes from that faithfulness. I am now grateful for having my sister in my life. St. Therese and St. John of the Cross grew enormously from their challenges. Servant leadership is hard, but worth the sacrifice.