In their midst

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Readings: Jas 4:1-10; PS 55:7-8, 9-10a, 10b-11a, 23; Mk 9:30-37

Summary

We are reminded today in our sacred readings that the entire world is in our midst. Jesus, holding a child close, instructs the disciples to see everyone and everything ordered for the wellbeing of people and especially the children. Power (“who is the greatest?“) is the bait for evil. First is paradoxically last. This requires realigning everything. Prayer and relation. Diet and hormone regulation. Everything reordered that we may see Christ and Children, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, [be] rooted and grounded in love (Eph 3:17).

Reflection

Does not the Apostle Paul call us to consider our thinking and orientation of thinking?

With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life (Pv 4:23).

Motivational speakers take up this theme often. Psychology also has great input!

Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcasts/stand-guard-at-the-door-of-your-mind/
Psychology Central: https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-top-10-types-of-stinkin-thinkin

Personal Reflection

Jesus asks us to refactor what we consider important and how we respond to the world. He asks me to be humble and to put people first as a child needs are easy to see. I find it hard to do when people get outright nasty. But, but. I know these outbursts are from spiritual pain and bruising of the person.

First Reading

Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from your passions that make war within your members? You covet but do not possess. You kill and envy but you cannot obtain; you fight and wage war.

Responsorial

Throw your cares on the Lord, and he will support you.

Gospel Acclamation

May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.

Gospel

Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry