Tag: like children

Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

In these words, Jesus speaks not only of children but also of “such as these” to indicate the kind of openness necessary for the Kingdom of heaven. There is also a relation to time and a disregard for age in these words. By saying “such as these,” Jesus extends this invitation to people of any stage of life and to span countless generations.

God, thank you for the gift of your Son. I hear his words and have with me at all times the means to go to him as a child every day of my life, throughout each day, to relate my thoughts, feelings, and desires. Although I resist setting aside time throughout the day to pray, help me understand that there are times when it is my best possible recourse. Help me resolve to return to Jesus in prayer throughout the day, always as a way to be more fully in the moment rather than engaging in a flight from reality.

By saying that the Kingdom of heaven belongs to “such as these,” Jesus gives purpose to my day by going to him and letting nothing prevent me from that. Let me trust that the risen Christ sees me, hears me, and remains beside me when I come to him—now and always—out of my need to have him present.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

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Tuesday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? . . . In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.

Jesus tells the disciples the parable of the lost sheep after they approach him and ask, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” Calling a child over, Jesus challenges the disciples to turn and become like children. What comes to mind is the two groups of sheep, the ninety-nine in the flock and the one that strays. How do I identify myself?

God, help me understand today’s Gospel reading. Whether I have been the one stray or among the faithful through various choices I’ve made, there’s no question. Even more, whether I am at the same time with the ninety-nine and a stray also defines me. What matters, though, is the choice. Do I choose to be among the flock and will that the lost sheep are found, or do I remain astray, full of adult longings for the substitute gods of honor, power, pleasure, and wealth?

Lord, you said, “It is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.” By that, I know you include me. I believe, Lord, that you are present with me throughout the day and that your Son intercedes for me in prayer so that I am not led away from you by what I choose to say or do. I know I can ask you at any time to give me the grace to be like a child today and turn to you again and again. Take me and place me in your midst; let me stay near you so that others look just beyond me and see your presence.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Readings

Podcast