Prayer and Children

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to recall our experiences of children and childhood and to celebrate the childlike attitude that Jesus urges us to cultivate in our relationship with the people on our journey.

Children and Ice Cream

The reading from the Letter of James describes 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.”

* [5:20] When a Christian is instrumental in the conversion of a sinner, the result is forgiveness of sins and a reinstatement of the sinner to the life of grace. (James, CHAPTER 5, n.d.)

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). (Psalms, PSALM 141, n.d.)

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. (Mark, CHAPTER 10, n.d.)

Matthew Walsh, S.J. comments that he realizes that he is  also called to be a blessing for the children who Jesus loves. The same love, care and peace that Jesus gave the children in this Scripture passage continues to be showered upon the children today—through the care of parents, friends, family members, and the Church.

Summer can provide great opportunities for spending time with children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews. Jesus still desires to bless these little ones in every way. Through education, play, nourishment, rest and many other ways, God sustains and causes them to thrive and grow in wisdom and grace, just as with Jesus at Nazareth. (Walsh, 2024)

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) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Mark 10:13-16 comments that Jesus wants everyone to come to him and receive his life. That’s why he embraced and blessed even the restless, noisy, or disinterested children whose parents approached him. No one is too insignificant for him. No one is too troublesome for him. No one’s heart is too hardened.

And if you’re a parent, don’t stop bringing your kids to Jesus. Whether they’re young and squirmy or older and seem disengaged, know that Jesus sees and welcomes them into his presence. You are demonstrating to them how essential worship is and how important it is to give time to God as a family. Even if you can’t see the ways Mass attendance is affecting your children’s lives, you can trust that Jesus will bless your efforts. He always wants you to bring the children to him!

“Lord Jesus, help me to see children the way you do!” (Meditation on Mark 10:13-16, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the final instructions or paraenesis of James in the passage today. We respond with prayer as we reach out like Jesus to alienated and lonely who may be burdened with sin. Friar Jude reminds us to be open to the view of the world of children who can remind us of openness, trust and wonder.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, cites the work of Carmen Acevedo Butcher, Incandescence: 365 Readings with Women Mystics in experiences of Life in the Spirit.

God’s Soul is the wind rustling plants and leaves, 
the dew dancing on the grass, 
the rainy breezes making everything to grow. 
Just like this, the kindness of a person flows, touching 
those dragging burdens of longing. 
We should be a breeze helping the homeless, 
dew comforting those who are depressed,
the cool, misty air refreshing the exhausted, 
and with God’s teaching we have got to feed the hungry: 

This is how we share God’s soul. [1]  (Rohr, n.d.)

We are grateful for the company of children as we see through their openness and wonder how the world can reveal love, excitement, and joy as gifts of the Spirit.

References

James, CHAPTER 5. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/5?13 

Mark, CHAPTER 10. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10?13 

Meditation on Mark 10:13-16. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://wau.org/meditations/2024/05/25/975105/ 

Psalms, PSALM 141. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/141?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Life in the Spirit: Weekly Summary. CAC Daily Meditations. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/life-in-the-spirit-weekly-summary/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Receive the Kingdom of God like a Child. Daily Scripture net. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2024&date=may25 

Walsh, M. (2024, May 25). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved May 25, 2024, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/052524.html 

Faith in the Face of Evil

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

1	(n.d.). James, CHAPTER 5 | USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/5
2	(n.d.). Psalms, PSALM 141 | USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/141
3	(n.d.). Mark, CHAPTER 10 | USCCB. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/mark/10
4	(n.d.). Creighton U Daily Reflections - Online Ministries. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/022622.html
5	(n.d.). Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2022&date=feb26
6	(n.d.). Meditation: Mark 10:13-16 - The Word Among Us. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://wau.org/meditations/2021/
7	(n.d.). Daily Meditations - Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://cac.org/intimacy-weekly-summary-2022-02-26/