March 2, 2019 Saturday of the 7th Week of Ordinary Time-C

Sirach 17:1-15

Psalm 103

Mark 10:13-16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them.  Mk. 10:13

Lord, in your day children were often the forgotten ones.  They were to stay out of the way and were often treated as property or like slaves.  Today we love and appreciate our children and can learn much from them if our hearts are open to do so.  You were attracted to the children’s openness to you as they were attracted to you.  They were eager to be near you and to be touched by you.  Lord, help me to be as trusting as a child is towards his or her parents.  I want to depend upon you for everything.  May I let go of any ego or pride or self-reliance that blocks my desire to be touched by you.  May I embrace the faith you have placed in my heart.  I am so blessed by your acceptance of me exactly the way I am.  Protect all children from harm, abuse and neglect.  I pray our culture will respect and guard your innocent children from conception to natural death.   I also pray that parents will bring their children to you for you to touch and love.  Amen.