Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms
around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name,
receives me…”
Today’s Gospel tells of Jesus teaching His disciples what it
means to be great – and in the upside message of the Gospel, whoever wishes to
be first must be the last, and he who would be the greatest is to be the most
humble. Jesus holds a little child, telling His disciples that whoever welcomes
one little child welcomes Jesus Himself and God the Father who send Him. In
saying this, Jesus teaches us that each child is infinitely important,
irreplaceable, and created in the image of God for a unique purpose, to love
and be loved by God.
Just as Jesus Himself is “obnoxious” to the wicked who want
to “condemn Him to a shameful death,” (cf Wisdom 2:20) haughty and evil people
of our own time have risen up against the child, the image of God, and the
lives of our little ones are threatened in countless ways in our world today. Children are depicted as the enemy of adult
autonomy, fatherhood is denigrated, motherhood belittled, and abortion is now
being celebrated by many public figures.
It may seem there is little that can be done to restore the
respect for human life that seems to have been lost in our society. But there
is much we can do to rebuild the culture of life. Each of us can respond with
prayer and fasting. Strengthened by prayer, we can take action to welcome the
child among us in Jesus’ name.
Is there someone you know who is facing a difficult or
unplanned pregnancy? Someone who needs guidance, assistance, or a friend? Direct
them to our parish Prepares program, which provides support for families with children
up to age 5. Let them know about Hope Medical, providing free pregnancy tests
and ultrasounds. Pray, fast and keep vigil for an end to abortion with the 40
Days for Life prayer campaign during the upcoming vigil from Sept. 26th
– Nov. 4th. Our local prayer vigil will be held at the Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Kennewick each day from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Prayer can change the world, end wars, and restore peace.
Help end the war against the child, and make our world a welcoming place for
the littlest and most vulnerable among us. Be a part of this prayerful, peaceful campaign to end abortion!
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