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
Welcome the Child
These old slow creaking moving bones
remember running through sprinklers
climbing and hiding until twilight
barefoot and dancing in the rain.
Hiding that child from adult view
we act with serious business like manner
pretending the words do not hurt us
being excluded is can not wound us.
Our little child still lives fully
tears of rage and hurt burn hot
our cheeks flushed with the indignation
rapid heart beat, our worst fears known.
Come child, no matter your age
seek the welcome that love offers all
the tears and fears are fully understood
the shame and silence are no more.
Welcome the Child
These old slow creaking moving bones
remember running through sprinklers
climbing and hiding until twilight
barefoot and dancing in the rain.
Hiding that child from adult view
we act with serious business like manner
pretending the words do not hurt us
being excluded is can not wound us.
Our little child still lives fully
tears of rage and hurt burn hot
our cheeks flushed with the indignation
rapid heart beat, our worst fears known.
Come child, no matter your age
seek the welcome that love offers all
the tears and fears are fully understood
the shame and silence are no more.
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