May 25, 2024
St. Bede the Venerable, St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi
Such Is the Kingdom
Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
Mark 10:16

When we’re weary, when we’ve already spent ourselves and our energy in loving service, it can be challenging to say yes to even one more thing. Any teacher, parent, guardian or mentor knows this.

Earlier in chapter 10, we read that crowds had gathered around Jesus, and he taught them. He then spent some time responding to the Pharisees’ attempts to trap him. So we can read between the lines to sense how tired Jesus must have already been as the next wave of people approached. It’s understandable that his disciples wanted to protect him from further demands on his time.

But to come between parents bringing their little ones forward in hopes of a blessing and healing touch? No way, insists Jesus, welcome the children and all who share their spirit into their place of belonging in my heart.

- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.

James 5:13-20 • Psalm 141:1-3, 8 • Mark 10:13-16
Back view of children watching big fireworks in the evening sky. Generated by AI. Image by AspctStyle | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

Comments

May 26, 2024 at 10:58 AM

Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

May 25, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Amen. :)

May 25, 2024 at 11:42 AM

As a result of my selfish desires my daughter who is expecting our 1st grandchild on July 1st has distanced herself from me and said that she will not tell her child about me. My selfish desires have been replaced with an intimate relationship with God, through his son Jesus Christ, and filled with the fruits of the Holy Spirit. I am now a new creation of humility and selfless love. My daughter has been tight with God from an early age and my prayer today and every day is that he continues to work behind the scenes to soften her heart to allow me back in her life and her daughter's life.

Rusty
May 25, 2024 at 12:22 PM

Thank You, Kevin. My daughter and I pray to the same God, yet her earthly counselor is encouraging distance. I too am in counseling but know that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are the only true counselors that matter.

Kevin M
May 25, 2024 at 11:54 AM

Rusty, the Lord would like nothing more than to restore your relationship with your daughter. Keep praying, as we all pray for you and your daughter, Jane and all the other beautiful souls in the LFF. Have a beautiful Memorial weekend everyone.

May 25, 2024 at 10:18 AM

Thank you Sister Chris! You are so right about Jesus and the little children. My heart is uplifted while my precious grandchildren are with me and I realize how much Jesus loves them and all the children of the world. I picture Him touching them with the loving touch only He can give. Jane, thinking about you and praying that you’ll stay strong during this time of transition and sometimes these situations force us to think about the future. Not a bad thing, Dear Lady. Ken, I will keep your son Chris in my prayers and heart this weekend. Number 1, sleeping is paramount for a clear mind. Love to you and your whole family. Happy Heavenly birthday, Kathy!

May 25, 2024 at 09:24 AM

Thank you Sr. Chris, your words inspire me to lighten my heart each and everyday. It also reminds of the phrase "if I had known then what I know now." LOL To have the heart of a child with the knowledge of life all at the same time. We could change the WORLD. Blessings to all the LFF especially , Jane, Joann's friend and cat, and Sarah's niece and baby and anyone else in their silence of needs. May we all share God's love with all the world like the heart of a child. LFF family you are an inspiration to me each and everyday.

May 25, 2024 at 09:12 AM

Please pray for my niece, she is 40 years old and pregnant with her first child. She is 20 weeks along and was admitted to the hospital for extremely high blood pressure. They plan on delivering the baby boy c- section next week. Pray for my niece, baby boy, dad and all the medical staff.

Bill L.
May 25, 2024 at 02:48 PM

My prayers are with you this evening, Sarah.

peggyR
May 25, 2024 at 09:59 AM

Many prayers for your niece and her baby boy, Sarah. She’s right where she needs to be right now. Dear Lord Jesus, please look over them and wrap your arms them so they know you’re always with them.

Kjc
May 25, 2024 at 09:18 AM

Sarah I am praying for you and your niece right now. Pam welcome back to western New York. Going to Niagara produce today. Memorial day Living faith family please pray for my youngest son Chris, who is having some health problems. Medications do not seem to work and lack of sleep has him on a crazy schedule. Today my Vietnam Veterans group distribute poppies and small flags at produce market. It's a fund raiser that we use for our food pantry. We are well received and hear many stories from the people. Please Continue to pray for the souls in purgatory and for my wife and best friend Kathy whose birthday is 5/28 Ken

Stormy
May 25, 2024 at 09:17 AM

Sarah prayers for your niece and the baby. Today is about God loving his children so I am praying that he holds them both in his hands and heal them along with the entire family and medical personnel.

May 25, 2024 at 09:09 AM

Dearhearts…Max and I have been on the road for 2 and a half “daze” and I’m sitting here on the shore of Lake Ontario at our little Cottage lifting us all in prayer. I marvel at the fact that I’m 72 (at least for another week!) and still feel child like in the presence of God. I’ve always loved the pictures of Jesus with small children at His feet, some even with the hint of a smile on His face. I place myself there today and Jane you’re right there with me, as all of our LF Family who are in the most need of God’s embrace and healing love.❣️

peggyR
May 25, 2024 at 10:04 AM

What a beautiful reflection this morning Pam! Yes, no matter what “age” we are, we do look to Jesus as His little children. Warms my heart to think of it. Enjoy your getaway and God bless you.

May 25, 2024 at 08:04 AM

Prayers for all LF family today. May we all be childlike in our devotion to Jesus. Prayers for your friend Joann that her wound will heal, and for her cat.. Panacur-c might help ? Blessings to all.

May 25, 2024 at 07:29 AM

Good morning LFF Jane prayers for peace and guidance for your work situation. Asking prayers for a friend who has had complications from a surgical wound that is not healing and also her pet cat who was diagnosed with cancer

peggyR
May 25, 2024 at 10:08 AM

Sending prayers of healing for your friend, Joann. Also, prayers for her kitty. We love our pets and it hurts to see them suffer.

Stormy
May 25, 2024 at 09:12 AM

Joann praying for your friend and her cat. May all in their caretakers be guided to help them both feel better.

Cheryl
May 25, 2024 at 08:26 AM

Joann, when it rains it pours... I pray that the medical staff, by the Grace of God, finds a solution for healing of the wound.... and that her pet cat will be ok... it is indeed heart wrenching to see pets in pain and suffer

May 25, 2024 at 07:01 AM

Reminds me of this saying I learned from a BSF leader years ago what Ministry is! *** Giving when you feel like keeping *** Praying for others when you need to be prayed for *** Feeding others when your own soul is hungry *** Living truth before people even when you can’t see results *** Hurting with other people even when your own hurt can’t be spoken *** Keeping your word even when it is not convenient *** Being faithful when your flesh wants to run away

peggyR
May 25, 2024 at 09:55 AM

Beautiful reflection this morning, Salina. It’s a keeper. Thank you!

Sarah
May 25, 2024 at 09:09 AM

Salina, Thank you for sharing these words. “Giving when you feel like keeping…” Praying everyone has a safe weekend.

Vicky G
May 25, 2024 at 07:28 AM

All so very true Salina! God bless the little child in each of us.

May 25, 2024 at 01:30 AM

Thank you Sr. Chris... our sweet Jesus never tires of us... Jane, I know our Lord has something great in store for you.... it may not be obvious to you yet... but continue to pray and trust in him always, and do not let your heart be troubled

Back view of children watching big fireworks in the evening sky. Generated by AI. Image by AspctStyle | stock.adobe.com
Image of the day

STAY CONNECTED

Living Faith provides brief daily Catholic devotions based on one of the Mass readings of the day. Published new each quarter, these reflections are written by women and men from a variety of backgrounds - lay people as well as clergy and religious. Learn more.

Most popular devotions

Receive a free reflection for Sundays every week via email

About Living Faith Living Faith Foundation Ambassador Privacy Policy F.A.Q. Contact Us

© 2024 Creative Communications for the Parish, a division of Bayard, lnc. All Rights Reserved.