SATURDAY MAY 25, 2024
SATURDAY OF THE SEVENTH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
James 5:13-20
Mark 10:13-16
LEARNING AND LOVING THE CHILD-LIKE VIRTUES
Recognizing the place of children in the overall scheme of creation is necessary for an ordered world. That children have a place in creation and in God’s plan of salvation is necessary and important for all to conceive and work with. The church never stops acknowledging the invaluable place of children in her institution. For the Holy Childhood Association continues to care for children and works for the ministry of Children in the church.
The tradition of mothers taking their children especially during their birthdays to known rabbis for prayers and laying on of hand, was again seen today in the gospel. Mothers brought their children to Jesus, a new reigning rabbi. But the attitude of the disciples of Jesus of neglecting and relegating the children to the background was vehemently opposed by Jesus who called on the children and set them close to him, exalting their character and attributes that we must learn from them.
Jesus points to their innocence, their humility and their clear and simple minds as virtues to learn from these children. For to such belongs the kingdom of God. To possess these virtues, makes us ready and able to enter the kingdom of God. Children possess these virtues in abundance.
So, the act of gathering children and relating with them, but most importantly instructing them, and paying special attention to their development and growth in moral, religious inclinations, physical and intellectual growth is very necessary to the good of these children.
Adding to these, Saint James in the first reading instructs us on the need to pray at all times, especially in conditions of sickness. He enjoins us to always seek the blessings of elders (presbyters) of the church whose prayers and anointing are necessary for the forgiveness of sins and for healing of body and soul. The church calls it the sacrament of anointing or extreme unction. We all need it at one point or another, especially when we are down with sickness and when we are confronted with bad life situations. The invaluable importance of anointing and the prayers of the presbyter becomes effective as well as important for healing. Let us learn to use this sacrament so neglected for it is very useful and necessary for our overall wellbeing.
Father in heaven, you care for us in great ways and desires our wellbeing. Grant us same love and affection for children and for our life. May we continue to use all these means of our salvation to better our lives here on earth. And help us to learn and imbibe the virtues of humility, simplicity and ordered affection as children of your kingdom through Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
