Saturday-Nineteenth Week Ordinary Time

Philippians 1:21:  To me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

  Prayer ...

Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to show us your love and thank you for sending him again soon to take us home. He is our anchor in the storms of life and our light in the darkest nights reminding us that you love us with an everlasting love. In the name of Infant Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, we pray. Amen.

  Today's Readings ... (August 18, 2012)

Day:	Saturday of the Nineteenth Week in Ordinary Time
First Reading:	Ez 18:1-10,13b,30-32
Responsorial Pslam:	Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19
Second Reading:	Nil
Gospel:	Matthew 19:13-15
Lectionary:	418
Colour:	Green

  Meditation on Today's Gospel: (Matthew 19:13-15)

In Today’s Gospel the parents who brought their children to Jesus, wanted Jesus to put his hands upon them. They knew of the curative power, both physical and religious, which came from Jesus' touch. Jesus, in turn, scolded his disciples for hindering the children from coming. The disciples very likely wanted to protect Jesus from the nuisance of noisy children. But Jesus pleased in the children and confirmed that God's love has ample room for everyone, including children. No one is insignificant to God. He comes to each person independently and uniquely that he might touch them with his healing love and power. Do we show kindness to the youth we encounter in our neighborhood, home, and church and do we pray for them that they may cultivate in the knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ?