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Saturday, August 18, 2007 Meditation Matthew 19:13-15 Children are amazing! Uneducated, uninitiated, unsophisticated, still they fascinate us. Dependent, clueless, easily lost, they arouse our sympathy and protective instincts. Speaking or acting out, dressing outrageously, they elicit our forbearance, compassion, and more than a little amusement. (How many mothers have taken Snow White or Superman to the grocery store?) And yet, all of these same qualities can be applied to people all around us. Seekers sitting at the back of the church, stiff, apart, unsure: Do we see them as we head up the aisle? Parishioners who attend Mass infrequently: Do we welcome them warmly, appreciating their presence, however sporadic? Teens in raggedy jeans, sporting colorful hair and pierced eyebrows: Are we too afraid to look and acknowledge the child inside? They’re in our midst, these “children,” seeking to approach God but feeling unsure about the reception they’ll get. Harried parents, trying to corral unruly children: Do we offer sympathy, understanding and, perhaps, a little assistance? Those who speak negatively, opposed to our faith and our God: Do we try to understand their words and actions? Do we look beyond the negative to see, perhaps, a wounded or confused soul? Or do we prevent them from coming to God by our disapproval, indifference, uneasiness, fear, or blatant judgment on their lives? Children are also inquisitive, open, sincere, spontaneous, and persistent—all qualities that can be applied equally to all of the folks mentioned above! Jesus welcomes such as those into his presence. He regards them as those to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs (Matthew 19:14). Do we do likewise? Oh, let us be encouraging, forbearing, charitable, welcoming to others, especially those who might seem least likely. Offer a warm greeting to someone in the last pew at Mass tomorrow, or a smile to someone whose appearance is off-putting. Lend a hand or an understanding expression to a struggling parent. Above all, pray! “Jesus, bless them!” “Jesus, give me your heart for your ‘children’ today.” “Lord, pour out your love in my heart today. Help me to know and accept your love for me, that I may encourage others—all your children—with it.” Joshua 24:14-29; Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-8,11 |