Welcoming Children

On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. Just then a man from the crowd shouted, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son; he is my only child. Suddenly a spirit seizes him, and all at once he shrieks. It throws him into convulsions until he foams at the mouth; it mauls him and will scarcely leave him. I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.’ Jesus answered, ‘You faithless and perverse generation, how much longer must I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.’ While he was coming, the demon dashed him to the ground in convulsions. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest.’

John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not stop him; for whoever is not against you is for you.’ Luke 9:37-50

Welcoming Children

A crisp morning muted light heart
hopeful with lingering dancing dreams
needing only a place to imagine
enough food and loving arms.

We are made of the stuff of childhood welcomes
the souvenirs of teachers, parents coaches
and the wounds of the same and other children turning
dreams into nightmares, possibilities into taunts.

We are never far from child burying our neediness
three piece suit, powerful stride and late model car
cannot hide our want and ache for welcome
for home and acceptance.

We are made for love
denying it with strength training
combat readiness and boot camp
for life.

We are made tender and strong
and only develop the strength to stomp
on the weak vine the tender shoot.

Jesus says, "welcome the little ones
and you welcome me".