The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today exhort us to prayer as we encounter evil and illness in the world around us.
Children Lead
The reading from the Letter of James reminds us of the Prayer of Faith.
* [5:14] In case of sickness a Christian should ask for the presbyters of the church, i.e., those who have authority in the church (cf. Acts 15:2, 22–23; 1 Tm 5:17; Ti 1:5). They are to pray over the person and anoint with oil; oil was used for medicinal purposes in the ancient world (see Is 1:6; Lk 10:34). In Mk 6:13, the Twelve anoint the sick with oil on their missionary journey. In the name of the Lord: by the power of Jesus Christ. * [5:15] The results of the prayer and anointing are physical health and forgiveness of sins. The Roman Catholic Church (Council of Trent, Session 14) declared that this anointing of the sick is a sacrament “instituted by Christ and promulgated by blessed James the apostle.”1
Psalm 141 is a prayer for preservation from Evil.
* [Psalm 141] A lament of an individual (Ps 141:1–2) who is keenly aware that only the righteous can worship God properly and who therefore prays to be protected from the doomed wicked (Ps 141:3–10).2
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus blesses little 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 18:3–4.3
Michael Kavan comments that Jesus has a special place in his heart for those with no social standing in society. As such, he becomes “indignant” and actually angry with his disciples for rebuking the parents.
So, how does this parable apply to us today? To me, it’s pretty simple. Take the best qualities of being “like a child” and incorporate them into our lives as adults. Go into our interactions with a basic sense of trust, be open and accepting of people from all backgrounds – especially those that are different from ourselves. Be quick to forgive and let go of grudges. Maybe, most importantly, have trust and faith in God and live joyfully. And as Mark wrote, we will be embraced and blessed.4
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)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:13-16 comments that to Jesus, each little child is a masterpiece of God’s loving creation. Beginning with their very conception, each one is a work of art made in the image of their heavenly Father. By correcting his disciples and embracing the children, Jesus is telling them, and us, how precious children are to him.
What a blessing it is for a child to learn that Jesus is approachable! That God cares about them and that he is available to them. And what a blessing it is for us to discover, or rediscover, the childlike innocence and freedom that Jesus wants to give all of us! “Jesus, I pray for every child today. Touch each one with your love and your presence.”6
Friar Jude Winkler notes that James continues his paraenesis at the end of the letter that includes our responsibility to bring people back to the community with our love. The Kingdom of God belongs to those with childlike trust in Providence. Friar Jude reminds us that most of the Marian apparitions are to the humble and simple.
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, comments that one of our primary blocks to intimacy occurs in childhood when our needs for comfort and connection are not met. Buddhist practitioners Peggy Rowe Ward and Larry Ward offer a meditation exercise to connect with younger versions of ourselves and our partners.
Breathing in, seeing your partner as a five-year-old little boy or little girl, fragile and vulnerable. Breathing out, smiling to your partner as a five-year-old child. See or imagine holding the hands of your partner. See your partner as a five-year-old child. Holding your partner’s small hands. Breathing in, becoming aware that your partner is in you, breathing out, holding your partner in you tenderly. Aware that your partner is in you. Holding your partner tenderly.7
In times when evil threatens our peace, we pray that the Spirit will reunite us with our inner child seeking joy and connection with everyone.
References
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