Aug 19 – Memorial for St. John Eudes, priest, religious founder
John Eudes (1601-1680) established seminaries, and founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary Eudists to promote virtuous secular parochial clergy not bound by vows, but dedicated to improving the clergy through seminaries and missions. He also founded the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity who worked for the welfare of penitent women. He was the author of the liturgical devotion of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
- Patron Saint Index
Jos 24:14-29
Mk 19:13-15
“Let the little children alone, and do not stop them coming to me; for it is to such as these the kingdom of heaven belongs.”
I have read and heard this passage many times. Previously, I had always thought Jesus was speaking about little children, kids under certain age. In reflecting on Jesus’ teachings and learning more, there are always multiple facets to His teachings.
In ancient times, children were not treasured nor protected like they are now. They had no real social standing and seldom participated in any meaningful way. Hence, the disciples stopped the people from bringing the children to Jesus, not because they were mean or uncaring, but because it was the ‘norm’ and they wanted to protect Jesus from ‘nuisances’.
Now, just reflect on the people who brought the children to Jesus for them to be prayed over by Him. These are the faithful, the believers; they wanted to introduce Jesus to the children and perhaps get a blessing from our Lord. This is something that all of us, as Catholics are called to do, to bring people, to introduce them to Christ, to share the good news!
We were all children at one point in time, actually or figuratively speaking. Once, we were like the children in the Gospel, we did not know Christ and someone had to lead us to Him. Be that our parents, grandparents, friends or strangers, we needed the introduction. Now, just imagine if someone, or something, stopped us approaching Him? What a tragedy that would be!
In the same breath, Jesus is telling us that we should not stop anyone approaching Him. Whether the child is well, sick, quiet or noisy, Jesus would like them to be brought to Him. Just like us, whether we are in a state of mortal sin or in God’s grace, our loving and merciful Lord would like us to approach Him and lead other ‘children’ to Him. In fact, we should be like the people who brought the children to our Lord, perhaps through our words, our actions and our lives; for in God’s eyes, we are all His children, and we are loved.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Winnie Kung)
Prayer: My most loving Lord, You welcome us into Your loving arms without any hesitation and judgement. May we be an instrument to lead others to You as well.
Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank you for being our loving Father, always welcoming Your children and never turning anyone away.
OXYGEN 
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