Daily Gospel Reflection for August 13, 2022

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15

Who will inherit the kingdom of heaven?

As Catholics this may seem like a simple question. Follow God’s Commandments, read the Gospels, treat one another as we want to be treated, and love God. It is what we have been taught, with maybe a few other dos thrown in for good measure just in case.

But we run the risk of complacency. One of my teachers long ago used to say those who "followed the Catholic manual" may be missing the entire point. And in today’s Gospel, many of Jesus’ disciples did just that. Christ had to gently rebuke them.

Children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, “Let the children come to Me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Children are innocent. Who better to inherit heaven than the truly unblemished in society? Young children have no need to segregate, separate, or despise another based on where they live. They just want to play, love, laugh, and have fun. When they make a mistake, they quickly ask forgiveness, eager to move on. Few children hold grudges; they get over hurts easily, eager to be friends again.

We cannot say the same for adults. They tend to justify certain actions they take in a game of tug and war with God. Most are not innocent nor do they forgive easily. Being kind to those who think, live, and act the same way is not the same as being kind to all.

Children love with abandon and have complete trust in God's providence. They truly are made in the image of God Himself.

Ponder:

Do you remember being a child and knowing with absolute certainty God loved you completely?

Pray:

Lord, I do love You. Help me return to my childhood trust in Your absolute boundless love and mercy.

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Children love with abandon and have complete trust in God's providence. They truly are made in the image of God Himself. #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Carol Sbordon Bannon