A Little Child – Reflection on Mark 10:13-16
Undoubtedly, Jesus loves children and expects us to do the same with childlike innocence. Recall that a little child surfaces from the purity of a clean heart, not that of possessions and bodily desires. The worldly gains we have made since childhood can stain our hearts. With Jesus’s help, our deep stains can be reversed to reveal a childlike view inside. Once we understand how this happens, we can remove past, present, and future surface stains ourselves. We can have a new vantage point by recognizing that grace helps us not hurt any relationship and, with Christ’s love inside, embrace all who need us.
Suffer the Little Children to Come unto me by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details at available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 10:13-16 – Scripture*
Jesus Blesses Little Children
13 People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 14 But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 10:13-16 – A little child.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate various forms of expression in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 10 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: A little child
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