Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: May 25, 2024

Date:   Saturday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from Mark brings us Jesus’ teaching concerning our lives as children of the LORD. Jesus points to the children present to point out the true dependence, trust, and obedience necessary for us if we desire to enter the Kingdom of God. Jesus surprises us; the conditions that merit closeness to the LORD are not accolades or honors, they are not what we’ve achieved, but rather our deep and transformative sense of reliance upon the LORD.  

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I reliant upon the LORD or do I feign reliance in the LORD as I actually exercise mistaken self-reliance?

Praying:

LORD, I am only because You are. As I sit with that realization, my need for You grows within me. Separate from You, I will cease to be me, the one You created me to be. Send your Spirit to stir within me the righteous cravings for your presence to me, your power at work in me. Regardless of how far I journey, grant that I may always be on my way to You. Amen.