I just came across a short reflection and prayer that I wrote some time ago . . . I didn’t date it so I’m not sure when.  but here it is

In the Gospel of Matthew (18:1 – 2)  it is written:

“After Jesus paid his temple-tax in Capernaum the disciples asked him: “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?”  He called a child, set him in front of them and said, “I tell you this:  unless you turn around and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.  Let a man humble himself until he is like this child, and he will be the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven.  Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.  But if a man is a cause of stumbling to one of these little ones who have faith in me, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung round his neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”   – – –

[This part in brackets isn’t in my original reflection but I’m thinking ‘whoa!’ that is a pretty strong statement to grown ups – if we do something to shake the faith of children who believe in Jesus  . . . . well it’s obvious Jesus doesn’t want us shaking the faith of believers, especially children! – perhaps that is why God humbled himself to come to us as a child, and he was received . . . now he asks us to receive children in his name)

Let’s also remember the story of Jonah, who rebelled against God’s word and was thrown into the sea.  Still, God loved him so much that he would not let Jonah die, instead he was swallowed by a whale and was still alive when the whale spit him out onto dry land.  Jonah – saved by a whale, or saved by God?  Our God is slow to anger and abounding in love, he does not want anyone to perish but wants everyone to live in peace and in the knowledge of His love for all of humankind.

Let us pray:

Lord, help us to listen to the cry of your heart.  All babies cry Lord, every child ever born. (even you) We have all cried out for attention from someone Lord.  you cried out for ours when came to earth as a baby boy.  You must have cried while lying in a manger and Mary and Joseph must have heard and picked you up and held you in their arms.  You are still crying out for people to be in relationship with you.  Today, when we hear the cry of your heart, calling us to come to you, help us to join with Other Disciples, Men and Women, Boy and Girls, to lift up your Living Word, the Holy Bible, and help us to hear your voice through the pages and the voices of other disciples.  Help us to remain united in your truth and together, in your love, for the sake of the building up of your heavenly kingdom.  Help us to humble ourselves as your children and welcome them in.  AMEN