Click here for today’s Scripture readings.
Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32
Mt 19:13-15
In today’s gospel parents are bringing their young children to Jesus to receive His blessing; a custom that existed of bringing children to the synagogue, to the elders and scribes, for their blessing. The parents recognized the healing power of Jesus’ touch, however, the disciples, in an effort to shield Jesus from these pesky children, scolded the parents for approaching Jesus. Evidently they had forgotten the incident in Chapter 18 where Jesus raised up a little child in their midst as one deserving to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The disciples, like us, kept falling into the grasp of power and position; neither of which have a place in the Kingdom of Heaven.
The Kingdom of Heaven is for children and those who are like children in their receptiveness and trust. They are closer to God than adults who strive to live independently of the one who provides for every need. Jesus makes a stand for the children, for the weak and for the helpless. He does not want any one to prevent their coming to Him. The Kingdom of Heaven cannot be earned by good works. It is a gift of God received by those who, like Jesus, call God “Abba” and in whom they put their trust.
Lord, may we always have the innocence child-like simplicity and humility which draw us into your loving presence.
Today, we also remember a most remarkable Polish priest, Maximilian Kolbe. He was arrested in February 1941 for providing shelter to the Jews and became just a number, prisoner #16670. While in Prison at Auschwitz he offered his life in place of a prisoner who was selected die as punishment for another prisoner who had tried to escape. When the man cried out to be spared because he had a wife and children, Father Kolbe stepped forward and asked permission to take this man’s place.
He was thrown into a small cell with other prisoners to die of starvation. He led the tortured men in prayer as one by one they perished. After three weeks in this cell he was still alive. He died of a lethal injection on August 14, 1941.
Pope John Paul II canonized Maximilian Kolbe on October 10, 1982.
Alice Smith has been a part of Holy Family’s women’s retreat ministry for many years. She lives with her husband on Cape Cod.
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- Singing In Auschwitz (triptbishop.blogspot.com)
We often hear of martyrs from the early church, but today’s feast reminds us of the many, like Kolbe, who are suffering and dying in prisons around the world today, far from the headlines. Many are truly innocent of crime, but are persecuted for doing good. Some are also persecuted for their religious faith which is always an obstacle to people intent on evil. Perhaps our prayer is the principal way we can help them, but we can also raise the consciousness of our society about these situations.