The 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today is Sunday the 3 October, beginning the 27th week of Ordinary time.

The monks of the Abbey of Keur Moussa sing Psalm 114, “I love the Lord, he hears my cry, he bends down to listen to me when I call” – words which paint a beautiful picture of God bending down to me like a mother or father bending down to their child, full of tenderness and love.   As I listen, I reflect for a moment on that ‘tender, loving care’ – that love that God has for me… and the love which I, in return, have for God.

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. 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. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

This is not the first time that the disciples overstep their authority. The parents know that, for all the words in the world, what their children need is the affectionate affirmation of touch, a blessing in itself. But children are easy to dismiss, the disciples sense of what is important is still lacking. How does this action make you feel?

In recent times, we have been reminded of the value of touch. Physical connection has been missing from our lives and there has been great solemnity and celebration attached to our first ‘safe’ hug or handshake. Can you call to mind such a moment? What has it meant to you?

Jesus’ response is also a teaching moment, ‘Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it’.  As you listen again, consider what do you need to become ‘as a little child.’

As you spend time in prayer on this Sabbath day, share your response with the Lord. Feel his blessing upon you. 

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.