Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Being a grandma (Nana) provides me with an insight to understand what Jesus might be implying when He tells His disciples that only the childlike will enter the Kingdom of God. Being around four small children has allowed me to witness their ability to be present in the moment, to see the great trust that they place in those who are caring for them, and to experience their deep desire to share love with those around them. I believe that God desires this same openness and responsiveness in us as we seek to become part of the Kingdom. Like Jesus in today’s gospel, we are called to care for all children, as well as to learn their ways of love and trust.
As I reflect on my grandchildren and their actions, I recognize that they are frequently rushing over to share important “news.” Whether it is a story about school or a detail about their day, they are anxious to share this with me. If they fall down and get hurt, they race to be at my side seeking assurance and comfort. They trust me and believe that I will love and support them in both the good and the difficult times. In the first reading St. James encourages us to act exactly the same as a small child. When we are happy, we are called to share and rejoice with God, and when we are in need, we go to God with our petitions believing that God will hear us and respond in love. We are able to trust and believe in God’s love and providence because we remember the many times that God has responded to our needs in the past. St. James uses the example of Elijah and God’s response to his prayer as proof of God’s commitment and concern. Just like my grandchildren know that I will be there for them to listen and respond to their needs, our God invites us to share our needs and believe that they will be heard. To enter the Kingdom, God calls us to nurture this trust by surrendering our lives- sharing all of our “news”- into God’s hands.
I have also noted that the grandkids long for connection. Sometimes there is an argument as they try to decide who will get to sit on my lap. There is a deep desire for closeness, for feeling protected, and just being present together. Similarly, God calls us to this special connection. Through prayer, we are able to “climb onto God’s lap” and be present together. As we spend time in God’s presence, we find peace and consolation. As St. Augustine has written, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Jesus recognizes this openness as He draws the children to Himself and embraces them. When we spend time with God, God also draws us close, and blesses us with the grace to know that we are loved. When I reflect on the great joy and love that I experience holding my grandchildren close to me, I realize that this is a very small taste of God’s love for each of us. This reminds me that God’s love for us is far beyond our understanding.
All people are precious in the eyes of God, but children hold a special place as we see in today’s reading when Jesus draws them close. Jesus recognizes the openness and great trust that children display, and therefore He also realizes that they are in special need of our protection and care. Parents, grandparents, teachers, aunts/uncles or anyone responsible for the wellbeing of children have an important task in creating safe and loving environments where every child can flourish. Jesus shows us the way on caring and blessing the children, and He reminds us that it is these very children that will show us the way to the Kingdom.
Loving God, Jesus reveals Your love for all children. Through their trust and openness they provide insights on how you call us into relationship with You. Send down your Spirit, so we may deepen our faith in You. May each of us be your earthly presence to every child in our lives, so that all might experience your great love in this world. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen
Marylynn Herchline