“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37
Greetings Siblings in Christ,
As I write, I am reflecting on Pastor Colin’s sermon from September 22nd on Mark’s gospel in which the disciples ponder who was greatest among them. Jesus explained that whoever would be first should be last and servant to all. Then Jesus held a small child on his lap to make his point to the twelve and said, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but the one who sent me.” Mark 9:37
Now a question continues to surface in my mind, “Do we see the child?” This is not simply to see the youngsters in our midst. It is more than giving our attention, however briefly, to children and youth we encounter. It is more than offering kindness and respect. It is to recognize Christ within each child. In fact, to “see the child” goes beyond children to include every human! Jesus’ words provide shape for our responses to strangers, to neighbors, to “the least of these.”
We are to welcome the stranger with gladness rather than suspicion. We are to include the outsider with openness rather than aloofness. We are to love one another not because we seem familiar in appearance, in dress, in language or anything else. Love one another because none of us is greater than any other. Love one another because God dwells in each person.
We have an opportunity on October 31st: Halloween! The Trunk-or-Treat event in First Lutheran’s parking lot is an opportunity to “see” the children in the community. They will be parading in their costumes, young and old alike with a variety of abilities, backgrounds and experiences. Come to experience the joy of welcome!