And what longs to be born in our world and from our hearts is the same thing that was coming to birth in Mark’s world and in the hearts of those early Christians: the Kingdom of God.
Sermons on Mark
The church is also filled with people who know God’s love and want to share it.
When we pray for open eyes, open minds, and open hearts, it just about guarantees that we, as disciples, will be called to take some risks. And I think that healthy stewardship requires us to take some risks.
The people of St. John’s clearly know that we are stewards of God’s creation, and that we are called to give of our time, talent, and treasure for the spread of the kingdom of God.
Think of all of the good that has been done because of people giving their money just this last year, for instance.
I want us all to have the courage and commitment to make the changes that we need to make. Change can often be difficult, awkward, and uncomfortable.
By using the little child as an example, Jesus is demonstrating the importance of accepting the least and the lowly without asking what benefit we may derive from including them. They are worthy and they belong, as do we all.
Jesus has expanded his understanding of his mission to include not just the Jewish people, but the Gentiles as well.
Some people are more concerned about rules than others. That has always been the case.
What we need to know is that God’s compassion, his loving energy toward the needy, propels all our Apostolic activities.