Father Cooper asked us today, “Has a child ever taught you anything about Gospel values?”
Jesus told the disciples, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;
and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me” (Mark 9:37). To love a child is a full reflection of Christian love and service. Parents don’t count the cost of late nights, nor extra food or expenses because they move beyond self love to care for another.
The disciples are talking about which of them is greatest, but Jesus makes clear the great paradox of discipleship. If you wish to be first, you must be last. To be great, you must be small. To be master, you must be the servant of those you wish to rule. Receive a child, and become self-giving.
Children are not cynical or jaded, and they never cease to be amazed. The faith of a child is anything but childish. The uncomplicated and genuine faith of a child leads them to love God and others without condition.
How can you be more childlike?
Jesus told the disciples, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me;
and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me” (Mark 9:37). To love a child is a full reflection of Christian love and service. Parents don’t count the cost of late nights, nor extra food or expenses because they move beyond self love to care for another.
The disciples are talking about which of them is greatest, but Jesus makes clear the great paradox of discipleship. If you wish to be first, you must be last. To be great, you must be small. To be master, you must be the servant of those you wish to rule. Receive a child, and become self-giving.
Children are not cynical or jaded, and they never cease to be amazed. The faith of a child is anything but childish. The uncomplicated and genuine faith of a child leads them to love God and others without condition.
How can you be more childlike?