One Small Child

In our Gospel reading for this coming Sunday, Mark 9:30-37, Jesus discusses with his disciples what it means to be ‘first’. The disciples had been arguing among themselves about who was the greatest. He explains that to be first means to be last of all and servant of all. Then, taking a little child in his arms, he explains that “whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” This Sunday during communion we will sing a hymn entitled One Small Child. The text of this simple song conveys an equally simple message that is vital to those trying to understand how to live a life of faith. I hope it is meaningful to you.

Peace,

John

One Small Child

One small child Jesus called, set in the middle of the grownups’ circle: “welcome him, welcome her, and then you are welcoming me.”

Upside down, downside up, go our perceptions of who’s the greatest: “take my word, trust my word as readily as this small child.”

“Take my hand, understand this is the model for the kingdom people. Blessed are you, all of you who come to me like this small child.”

Hymn text by Shirley Erena Murray (1931-2020): © 2000 Hope Publishing Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.