Today’s Thoughts: First of all, let me apologize for not posting my reflections over the last two weeks. As I mentioned August 1st, I was going to post a series of flection for the time that I was on pilgrimage to Germany, Austria and Switzerland. However, I got so busy the day I left that I forgot to post the reflections.
I am back now so today I am back into my usual routine. Thanks to all who offered prayer for our pilgrimage. It was a wonderful experience, specially attending the Passion Play on Oberammergau. It was a safe journey and I hope the 32 people who journeyed with me will never forget the experience. Now on to my reflection today. I am thinking back to another pilgrimage I make eight years ago to France. One aspect of that journey that I have reflected on in the past was the gift of children in life. Whether it was my encounters with families especially children at Lourdes and at other points during the pilgrimage or thinking of the children that are important in my life these days, like my three grandnieces and grandnephew. St. Bernadette and St. Thérèse of Lisieux where both children when they were profoundly touched by God. In Aramaic, the word for child, servant, and slave is the same, which reflects the cultural attitude of first-century Palestine. But Jesus says, “for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” What a switch! Jesus is turning the social structure upside down! What does Jesus see that the learned and clever cannot see? Children are vulnerable and totally dependent. Because they lack power and control, they live in trust. Relying totally on their parents, they learn and grow. This is the stance that Jesus took when he taught his disciples to pray. We need to do the same. We need to value the gift of children in our lives. They should not be silenced, or abused, or hidden away, or seen but not heard. They should be in our midst always reminding us to be vulnerable, dependent, trusting and loving. They need to remind us to have joy always in our hearts! Have a great Saturday everyone! It is nice to be back and perhaps today you might spend so time being aware of the gift of children around you because remember they know the Kingdom!
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Fr. Paul R. Fagan, C.P. "Preacher on the Run"Just a few thoughts to help you on your journey through life...let me know from time to time what you think... Archives
May 2023
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