Daily Gospel Reflection for August 17, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15

Every testimony about my cousin Donnie referred to him as childlike. In today’s Gospel, Jesus speaks to each of us when he says,

“Let the children come to me.”

We must become like a child to approach the throne of Jesus—humble, reliant on others, willing to trust, tender-hearted, and open to awe and wonder.

For most of us, it means re-learning how to live. We must draw our lessons not from those who are most capable, but from those often considered the least and the last.

Donnie, who had Down's syndrome, was never self-conscious. He loved to joke (he was the ultimate jokester), to dance (he had the moves), to smile (the brightest), to play any game, and to celebrate (you can never celebrate Christmas or your Christmas birthday too much!)

As his siblings proclaimed in Donnie’s obituary, “He loved life,” which may be the greatest compliment of all.

Never tied to the past with regret nor worried about the future (besides the next meal), Donnie simply lived in the moment, the present now, which is where God is.

In a world that strives for perfection, values production, and esteems the strong, Donnie showed us the way to blessedness—to be childlike. In a society that targets those “less than perfect” for destruction, Donnie showed us the glorious value of each human life.

Jesus teaches us the way to Heaven—not through achievements, awards, or knowledge—but through our humility and dependency on Him. Jesus certainly rolled out the carpet to welcome Donnie home, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these!

Ponder:

How can I become more childlike?

Pray:

Lord, thank You for the gift of those “such as these.” May our country value those who are often considered less than.

Copyright 2024 Mary Pedersen