Welcoming the Holy
Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God.
By: Sister Ruth Maier
“ May the Lord bless us all the days of our lives.”
Opening Prayer
Almighty ever-living God, who in the abundance of Your kindness surpasses the merits and desires of those who entreat You, pour out Your mercy upon us to give what prayer does not dare to ask. Through Jesus Christ, Your son. Amen.
Scripture
Mark 10: 13 -16
People were bringing children to Jesus that He might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this He became indignant and said to them, “let the children come to me, do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then He embraced the children and blessed them, placing His hands upon them.
Reflection
As Jesus is making His way to Jerusalem, He is encountered by many people wanting to listen to His words, Pharisees wanting to challenge His teachings, parents wanting a blessing for their children.
Today, Mark tells us that the disciples were refusing to let the children approach Jesus. When Jesus saw this He was not happy and told the disciples to let the children come to Him.
The Kingdom of God belongs to children and to those who accept the kingdom with childlike faith.
What does that mean to have childlike faith?
Children depend on others for life’s necessities and simply accept what is given to them. They are dependent and trusting. In this, Jesus says, they are models for how we are to receive and experience life in God’s kingdom.
The kingdom of God belongs to those who keep their hearts turned toward God. Our dependance on and trust in God for what we need is what assures our ability to enter the Kingdom of God.
How do I trust in God’s word?
Do I simply enjoy being loved by God?
Closing Prayer
Gracious God, You adopted us as Your sons and daughters. Strengthen our faith so we may live as Your children, making Your presence known in our world. We make our prayer in Jesus name. Amen.