2024/10/06 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

- Delaney Paul, Director of Stewardship & Development

"Let the children come to me;
do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to
such as these.” - Mk 10:14

Have you ever considered what it means to truly have a childlike faith? As I reflect on this verse from today’s Gospel, I am reminded of my years teaching 3rd grade at a neighboring Catholic school. Religion was my favorite subject to teach for a variety of reasons—including but not limited to the fact that it followed lunch and recess, and my students were quite peaceful during this block—but the main reason being that it always reminded me of the importance of this childlike faith. In my time teaching, I can say for certain that my students taught me a great deal about faith and love and I am forever thankful for the privilege to learn from them. Children look at the world with curiosity, wonder, and hope. They believe in the best of people, and that the Lord does indeed bless us all the days of our lives (Ps 128).

This verse also reminds me of a special memory with my niece and goddaughter this summer. While putting her to bed one night, we were picking our books to read when she looked up and pointed at an angel figurine, and she said, “Can I tell you something about God?” I said, “of course.” She went on to tell me all about how God knows all the truth in this world and loves us so much that we don’t ever need to worry. I was taken aback and reminded of the power of childlike faith. Before bed, I asked my niece where she thought God was, and she pointed up and then quickly there after patted her heart and said, “but He’s here too.”

While the reminder of having childlike faith is certainly one to note, the other aspect of this Gospel that strikes me is Jesus’ heart for the least of us. The disciples attempted to turn the children away and instead, Jesus calls them to the forefront. We are called to bring people to Jesus and not turn anyone away. We also see this in the second reading and are reminded that Jesus too became “lower than the angels.” What a beautiful and powerful reminder to us all.

Mark’s Gospel was truly all about relationships and while the main focus was on husbands and wives, I think this message can translate to all our relationships, because we were not created to be alone. We were created for community. We were created to belong.

According to Brené Brown, a renowned professor, social worker, author, and podcast host, “belonging is the opposite of fitting in. Fitting in means changing ourselves to make other people like us, while belonging requires us to be who we are.” Here at Saint Clement, community is who we are.

We truly are blessed by a strong and active community. We are a community that accepts, encourages, and empowers each other.

Consider some of the relationships in your life—maybe it’s your spouse, sibling, friend, or even a coworker. How could you bring them closer to Jesus today?

Could you pray for them? Could you ask to pray with them?

Could you invite them to Mass or an upcoming program to bring them closer to Jesus?

I urge you today to strive towards a childlike faith and to always keep Jesus at the center of all your relationships.