1. Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, paying close attention to each word and detail.
Passage: “Amen I say to you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall not enter into it. And embracing them and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them. And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man, running up and kneeling before him, asked him: Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting? And Jesus said to him: Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. Thou knowest the Commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother. But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth. And Jesus, looking on him, loved him and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee. Go, sell whatsoever thou hast and give to the poor: and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.”
2. Meditatio (Meditation)
Reflect on the passage, considering what it says about Christ and how it speaks to your own spiritual life.
- Receiving the kingdom as a little child: Reflect on the qualities of a child—trust, innocence, dependence, humility—and consider how these qualities are necessary for entering the kingdom of God.
- Jesus’ embrace and blessing: Reflect on the tender love and care Jesus shows to the children, symbolising His love for all who come to Him with a childlike heart.
- The rich young man’s question: Reflect on the man’s earnest desire for eternal life and his willingness to seek guidance from Jesus.
- Jesus’ response about goodness: Reflect on Jesus’ reminder that true goodness comes from God alone and consider your understanding of goodness and how it aligns with God’s nature.
- Observing the Commandments: Reflect on the young man’s adherence to the Commandments and consider your own commitment to God’s Law.
- Jesus’ call to authentic discipleship: Reflect on Jesus’ challenge to the young man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, inviting him to a deeper level of commitment and trust in God. Consider what Jesus might be calling you to surrender in your own life to follow Him more closely.
3. Oratio
Respond to the passage with prayer, seeking to connect with God through the text.
O Lord Jesus Christ, as I reflect on Thy words, I am reminded of the need for a childlike heart to receive Thy kingdom. Help me to trust in Thee completely, with innocence and humility. Teach me to see goodness as coming from Thou alone and to live according to Thy Commandments. Show me the areas of my life where I need to let go of attachments and follow Thee more closely. Grant me the courage to surrender all that hinders my relationship with Thee and to embrace Thy call for authentic discipleship. Amen.
4. Contemplatio
Spend some time in silent contemplation, resting in God’s presence and allowing the truths of the passage to sink deeply into your heart.
Think of yourself as one of the children being embraced and blessed by Jesus. Feel His love and care for you. Contemplate the simplicity and trust of a child and how you can embody these qualities in your faith. Rest in the assurance that Jesus calls you to follow Him and provides the grace needed to respond to His invitation.
5. Actio
Consider how you can apply the insights gained from this passage to your daily life.
- Cultivate childlike qualities: Strive to approach your faith with trust, innocence, dependence, and humility.
- Reflect God’s goodness: Acknowledge that true goodness comes from God and seek to reflect His goodness in your actions.
- Commit to the Commandments: Reaffirm your commitment to living according to God’s laws and teachings.
- Embrace radical discipleship: Identify any attachments or possessions that may be hindering your relationship with God and take steps to surrender them, following Jesus’ call to deeper discipleship.
- Serve others: Look for opportunities to give to the poor and serve those in need, following Jesus’ example of love and compassion.
