The Catholic Calendar for Saturday, August 14, 2004
Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Maximilian Kolbe, religious, priest, martyr

Scripture from today’s Liturgy of the Word:
Ezekiel 18:1-10, 13, 30-32
Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19
Matthew 19:13-15

A reflection on today’s Sacred Scripture:

Let the Little Children Come to Me

“Let the little children come to me” Jesus instructs his disciples. We too, must make Jess accessible to our children for their formation and salvation. This means that children need to receive an example of faith lived in us. The “Use words if you must,” reminder from St. Francis for preaching the gospel is our own first bringing of our children to Jesus. We also let the children come to Him when we bring them through prayer to His friendship, mercy and peace. Prayer taught, is the dialogue of a lifelong friendship and access to Jesus.

“Let the little children come to me” in the sacraments where they find communion, healing, forgiveness, grace and peace. Baptized as priests, prophets and kings we bring our children to find Jesus in the graces to worship and heal, to proclaim their faith in the most challenging of situations and to receive the inheritance that is Jesus alone. Joined with the communion of saints, there is the strength of the union with Jesus and all souls who are one with Him to navigate the challenges of life. We bring our children to Mass as often as possible to start the lifelong joy of unity with and in Him. We bring them to Jesus in the sacrament of reconciliation to know His forgiveness, counsel and peace.

“Let the little children come to me” also means we bring them the study of the scriptures, rich traditions, dogmas and teachings of the church. We bring our children to Him in so many ways in their formation so they are very close to Him in all ways, always.

O Lord, let me hasten to bring those souls who are your precious children to you. Amen.

- Mary Williams
(wlmsconsul at pdq dot net)

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posted by joachim at 5:00 AM