Whoever Welcomes This Child

On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met Jesus. 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 convulses him 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 

Whoever Welcomes This Child

This child is not like your children

her language, custom, and dress

makes you think she is tainted or suspect

aching for a different kind of instruction.

This child was pulled from her parents 

put on a train and educated far away

far away from the love and nurture

of mother, elders, family and kin.

Sweet Jesus said to welcome the child

not bend or break them, or pull them away

this child of people that welcomed Jesus

now struggles to sing her ancient songs.

Made perfect and good in the image of God

she weeps at night for her mother's touch

she looks to the horizon for a way back home

and seeks welcome on the clod Sunday pews.

Welcome the child just as they are

whether older than dirt, younger than sky

welcome the little one who comes to be loved

and the Divine will meet you in the embrace.