Our relationships in creation

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today take a cosmic view and an intimate personal view of relationships that are gifts from God.

Connected in creation

The Book of Sirach shares some insight into the role of human beings in creation.

 * [17:12] An everlasting covenant…his commandments: God made several covenants, e.g., Gn 9:8–17; 15:17–21; 17:1–22, entered into with humankind, especially on Mount Sinai, where the people saw God’s glory and heard his voice (v. 13; cf. Ex 19:16–24:18).1

In the Gospel from Mark, Jesus corrects His disciples who tried to prevent His blessing of the children.

* [10:15] Whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child: i.e., in total dependence upon and obedience to the gospel; cf. Mt 18:3–4.2 

Julie Kalkowski quotes St. Gertrude the Great; “What am I, my God, love of my heart? I’m not like you. I’m just a tiny drop of your goodness, while You’re an ocean of gentleness.”

For the next few minutes, think about unleashing your gratefulness about God’s great love for you.  Maybe that could inspire all of us “tiny drops of God’s goodness” to join together and become a tsumani that used our individual gifts to diminish the suffering and misery we see.  Think of all the peace and joy our united “tiny drops” could generate in our struggling world. Plus it could help us become like children again…seeing the wonders of our amazing world and delighting in our ability to share God’s goodness and mercy to those who so desperately need it.3 

Don Schwager quotes “When the reception of grace begins,” by Basil the Great, 329-379 A.D.

"The apostle praised one [Timothy] who had known the holy Scripture from infancy (2 Timothy 3:15). He also instructed that children be reared 'in the discipline and correction of the Lord' (Ephesians 6:4). So we consider every time of life, even the very earliest, suitable for receiving persons into the community of faith." (excerpt from THE LONG RULES 15)4 

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:13-16 invites us to read this passage again, and imagine all the different kinds of children who were brought to Jesus. Think about the love and patience he must have had. Think about his overflowing joy as he interacted with them, both as a group and individually. Think about how he loved and blessed each one in a special way.

Now, picture yourself as one of those children. Imagine he’s looking at you as all the others are milling around. He says, “Don’t be afraid,” and holds out his hand. He already knows you inside and out, and he welcomes you. He doesn’t want you to feel unworthy. He sees the goodness that he has put inside of you, and he knows the kind of person you can become. Your rough edges will be smoothed. Can you hear him inviting you? Go ahead and run to him!5 

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the awesome perception of God by humans and off humans by other creatures in the Wisdom from Sirach. God guides us as He has Israel. Friar Jude recognizes the natural goodness of children to embrace and live in the Kingdom of God.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, observes that we have been conditioned to focus on the negative in ourselves and others. Think of a negative phrase you have said aloud or thought to yourself that stems from a sense of shame rather than your inherent dignity.

 Turn it upside down and say, in first person, present tense, an affirmation of your God-given value. For example:
I am alone. . . . I am indwelled by God’s presence.
I am unlovable. . . . I am infinitely loved.
I don’t have enough. . . . I have everything I need.
I am stupid. . . . I have the mind of Christ.
I am worthless. . . . I am precious in God’s eyes, I am honored, and God loves me.
Repeat the positive statement aloud, slowly, with intention and trust, several times. Then rest silently in the awareness that you are already and forever, without any effort or achievement on your part, a beloved child of God.6

Our Covenant with God and our experience of being one with all creation is the place from which we act upon our giftedness to serve others.

References

1	(n.d.). Sirach chapter 17 - United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Retrieved March 2, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/Sirach/17:1
2	(n.d.). Mark, chapter 10. Retrieved March 2, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/bible/mark/10:13
3	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections .... Retrieved March 2, 2019, from http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/daily.html
4	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved March 2, 2019, from https://dailyscripture.servantsoftheword.org/
5	(n.d.). Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Mass Readings and Catholic .... Retrieved March 2, 2019, from https://wau.org/meditations/2019/03/02
6	(n.d.). Daily Meditations Archive: March 2019 - Center for Action and .... Retrieved March 2, 2019, from https://cac.org/category/daily-meditations/2019/03