Kids And Clutter – Read Matt 19:13-20:28
Contemplation
At one of our stops along the dusty road, it is absolute chaos! Little children are being carried and running and laughing, screaming, shouting, crying, babbling. Tiny people all over the place, some with their parents – all coming to get a blessing from the holy man.
The disciples are shouting above the noise, trying to shoo away the little intruders – telling them to go away and leave the master in peace. Jesus is having none of it. “Come here, come to me! This is what accepting Heaven looks like.” Another young person, not a child any more, comes up. “What about me? Is Heaven for me too? I have been good.” Jesus says to him, “Certainly – give away the things you have and come and join me!”
He isn’t so sure about this – he is very rich. Jesus’ friends chime in. “We’ve given away everything to follow you. What about us?” Jesus makes it clear that they, too, will get their reward – but that doesn’t mean life is going to be easy! Another couple of his friends and their mother ask, “So can we have special places, please?” Jesus looks at them. “Can you share my food and drink?” “Oh yes!” “You will share it but special places are not mine to hand out. The whole point of following me is to serve others, not to be the biggest boss!”
Talk to the children, the disciples, Jesus and the young man.
What are they looking for? What about me?
How do I cope with change, with things and people I can’t predict or control?
What does following Jesus cost me?