Family Activity

Family Approval

This gospel passage is one of the toughest for families. Jesus was not only rejected by his townspeople. Many of those who rejected Jesus were kin. Why? Because Jesus returned a changed person with a greater reputation. He was now a famous preacher; he was no longer the traveling carpenter. They rejected Jesus because he didn't fit into his family's or town's "pecking" order.

Such "pecking" orders can have devastating results on family life, for they encourage disrespect. Encourage respect with the following exercise. Have family members write down each other's talents and dreams (one piece of paper per family member). Now, have family members write down their own talents and dreams. Present family members with the talents and dreams others see in them and have them compare these lists to their own. How are they the same? How are they different? Discuss your family's findings and discoveries. End the discussion with a prayer for the growth of talents and dreams in your family. These talents and dreams can be the most precious things family members possess.