Outcast.

Lectionary: 405
Reading 1
Responsorial Psalm
Gospel
St. Peter Chrysologus

"I have become an outcast to my brothers, a stranger to my mother's sons." Perhaps you feel that way too at family gatherings. When you pray before a meal with your children, or insist on going to church on Sunday while on a family vacation. Even Jesus himself was rejected by his own people.
One more thing: Jesus knows what rejection feels like. He knows what hurt, embarrassment, or even shame as the psalmist tells us, you may endure because of him. Things seem to hurt worse when it comes from family. Remember that your family relationships are not as important as your relationship with Christ and the example you set for your children. So as you travel and visit family with the kids this summer, stay fast to your convictions, beliefs, and traditions, no matter what the relatives say.
Prayer: Lord, in your great love, answer me. Remind me that you are the most important person in my life and give me the strength to bear ridicule that may come my way from serving you. In your name I pray, Amen. St. Peter Chrysologus, pray for me.