Bring children to Jesus

Greetings on this the Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jas 5:13-20; PS 141:1-2, 3 and 8; Mk 10:13-16

The Doing of Faith

We are given to do things for sure. But the doing and the order of priority is sometimes disappointing to everyone early in their spiritual journey. Some want to build magnificent Churches along the grandeur of the the cathedral of Notre Dame. Some want to open food banks and medical clinics.

All these things are good! Yes, please do! But all these things must be founded on the basics.

Summary

In our first reading today James gives us good counsel on what we should be doing in the overall of all our doing.

1. Pray. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
2. Praise.
3. For the sick, bring them to the presbyters of the Church for anointing.
4. Save souls by loving and forgiving.

Reflection

Hatred stirs up disputes, but love covers all offenses (Pv 10:12). Love is the motivating force of all the spiritual goods we bring. Prayer, praise and healing are to be rooted in the love of God and the love of the human family. Elsewise all is in vain (lacking faith, resulting in loss of efficacy).

Personal Reflection

When I was assigned to Saint Thomas More I performed a significant number of child baptisms. What a joy to bring the children to Jesus! At Sacred Heart I was assigned far fewer and again at Saint Mark’s nearly none. Deacons could be thought of as a utility player on a baseball team. Need a Second Baseman? I’m there. Need a Catcher? Good to go. Need a Left Fielder? I got you.

I went from primarily teaching and baptizing (STM) to teaching and preaching (SH) to mostly the ministry to the margins of society (SM). What a joy to bring the children to Jesus!

BTW: we are all children. The diversity of ministries is vast indeed. Yesterday It was 40,000 pounds of fresh food. Memorial day a funeral for a young man leaving behind a wife and children. These are the most difficult.

But in all these things I must take the advice of the Letter of James.

1. Pray.
2. Praise.
3. For the sick, bring them to the presbyters of the Church for annointing.

But in all these things I must take the advice of the Jesus himself.

1. Do not inhibit anyone from receiving Jesus.
2. Be more childlike.
3. Embrace the children, bless the children, especially those who have noone to bless them.

There are very few things I can do specific to my ministerial ordination. Most all that I do, any baptized can do! Most all is ordinary. It’s just a matter of doing.

First Reading

Beloved: Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone in good spirits? He should sing a song of praise. Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the Church, and they should pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.

Responsorial

Let my prayer come like incense before you.

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Gospel

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 on them.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry