Childlike

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling block comes! “If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life maimed or lame than to have two hands or two feet and to be thrown into the eternal fire. And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into the hell of fire.” Matthew 18:1-9

Loving Creator author of all goodness

you placed us all in families and clans

to be nurtured by loving parents

and to be taught by wise and patient elders.

Too often we act as big stumbling blocks

tripping up and pulling down the little ones

taking their love and faithfulness to lightly

and putting up obstacles in the sacred paths.

We fall down and you always pick us up

yet we often fail to reach out to help others

our pride and our self interest cloud our sight

and we miss the opportunities to help another.

Guide us, Lord, and keep us from stumbling

help us to be those who lift everyone up

give us humble and compassionate hearts

so our young can see and know your love now. Amen.