Loving Hug – Reflection on Matthew 19:13-15
If you are the parents of adult children, I am sure you have experienced them behaving like young children. Years ago, my oldest daughter visited us at a small cabin we rented for a vacation. Many small fish started tickling her while swimming with my wife. I handed her my fishing pole with a tiny hook and a piece of bait to see what kind of fish it was. Amazingly, as I watched her return to her youth, she became mesmerized by continuing to catch and gently release dozens. We had to talk her into stopping so we could have lunch. The precious time of seeing her joy was a gift to us. I will never forget the long, loving hug when she left for the day. For an update, she and her husband now have two young sons. Like my daughter and I, they enjoy catching and releasing fish without harm. Children are precious to parents and grandparents in many ways, constantly reminding us of their youth and becoming adults.
Jesus and the Little Child by James Tissot (full-resolution painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 19:13-15 – Scripture*
Jesus Blesses Little Children
13 Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” 15 And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 19:13-15 Reflection – Loving Hug
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 these types of expressions 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 Matthew 19 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: Loving Hug
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.