By Naresh Namindla csc –
Readings: Jas 5: 13-20; Mk 10:13-16
The first reading of the day focuses on the importance of prayer.
St. James urged his people to pray fervently to God and to pray in different life situations such as when one is cheerful or sick or has committed sin. But often, we tend to pray and remember God and pray to him only when we are in trouble or sick or need something in life or need some other help from God. We pray to God only asking for something. We seldom pray to God when we are happy and cheerful or when we are doing well in life.
In today’s gospel reading, Jesus gives us an example of a child and asks us to be like a child. Yes, we need to be child-like in our approach to Jesus. A child normally does not hide anything from his/her parents. In fact, a child shares everything with one’s parents. A child does not think of hiding bad things or sorrowful moments. And the child is taken care of prior to occurrence of bad things.
Likewise, Jesus invites each one of us to become like a child so that we can be open to Jesus not only in times of suffering or during hard times but also when we are happy and cheerful. This kind of attitude will lead us to be open to Jesus to share everything with our beloved Father who is always there for us to lift us up when we fall.
Therefore, let us cultivate the attitude of a child in our approach towards God so that he keeps the door of grace and blessing open for us.