Music Info
Symphony of Symmetry
By Niclas Lundqvist & Raphah
Equilibrium | Used with kind permission
Script
0:00
During this month of February, Pope Leo invites us to pray for children with incurable diseases. We ask that they and their families receive the necessary medical care and support, never losing strength and hope.
1:04
Listen, now, to the report in Mark’s gospel of Jesus welcoming the children who are brought to him:
1:22
Mark 10:13-16
People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
2:30
Picture the scene that St Mark presents here. Imagine that you are one of the people who has brought your child to receive a blessing from Jesus. How do you respond to the way that his disciples react to you at first?
Jesus’s own reaction is very different. He warmly welcomes you and your child, welcomes all the children brought to him. What is it like for you to be welcomed by Jesus in this way?
We can be sure that Jesus has a special care for the sick and the suffering. Can you glimpse the expression on his face, the stirrings in his heart, as sick children are brought forward for his blessing? Is there something in particular that you hear him say to them, or to their families?
Speak for a moment or two now yourself to Jesus, sitting here among the children in most need. What do you find yourself wanting to say to him?
8:48
We draw this time of reflection together in the words of the Pope’s offering prayer. You might like to listen especially for a word or phrase that you can make your own today, to carry forward with you into the rest of your day.
"Good Father, I know you are with me. Here I am on this new day. Place my heart once more with the Heart of your Son Jesus, who gives himself for me and who comes to me in the Eucharist. May your Holy Spirit make me his friend and apostle, available for his mission of compassion.
I place in your hands my joys and hopes, my works and sufferings, everything that I am and have, in communion with my brothers and sisters of this Worldwide Prayer Network.
With Mary, I offer you my day for the mission of the Church and for the prayer intentions of the Pope and my Bishop for this month. Amen”.