Lectio
Read the passage slowly and attentively, focusing on each word and phrase.
Passage: “Then were little children presented to him, that he should impose hands upon them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said to them: Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for the kingdom of heaven is for such. And when he had imposed hands upon them, he departed from thence. And behold one came and said to him: Good master, what good shall I do that I may have life everlasting? Who said to him: Why askest thou me concerning good? One is good, God. But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He said to him: Which? And Jesus said: Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness. Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith to him: All these have I kept from my youth, what is yet wanting to me? Jesus saith to him: If thou wilt be perfect, go sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” (Saint Matthew 19:13-21)
Meditatio
Reflect on the passage, considering what it says about Christ and how it speaks to your own spiritual life.
- Little Children and the Kingdom: Meditate on Jesus welcoming the little children and affirming that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. Consider the qualities of children—trust, innocence, and humility—and how these qualities are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven.
- Jesus’ Blessing: Reflect on Jesus laying His hands upon the children and praying for them. Consider the importance of blessing and the power of prayer in our lives.
- The Rich Young Man: Meditate on the interaction between Jesus and the rich young man. Consider the man’s desire for eternal life and Jesus’ response, pointing to the Commandments as a path to life.
- Keeping the Commandments: Reflect on the Commandments Jesus lists—no murder, no adultery, no stealing, no false witness, honouring parents, and loving neighbours. Consider how these Commandments guide our moral and ethical behaviour.
- Call to Perfection: Reflect on Jesus’ call to the young man to go beyond mere observance of the Commandments—to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. Consider the call to detachment from material wealth and complete dedication to following Christ.
Oratio
Respond to the passage with prayer, seeking to connect with God through the text.
O my Lord Jesus, as I reflect upon Thy words, I am moved by Thy love and care for the little children and Thy call to childlike trust and humility. Help me to embrace these qualities and enter into Thy kingdom with a pure heart. Guide me to follow Thy Commandments faithfully and live a life of love and integrity. Give me the courage to detach from material possessions and follow Thee wholeheartedly, trusting that true treasure lies in heaven. Strengthen my commitment to serve others and walk in Thy ways. Amen.
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 witnessing Jesus welcoming the children and blessing them. Feel the warmth and love radiating from Jesus. Contemplate the young man’s earnest desire for eternal life and Jesus’ compassionate yet challenging response. Rest in the awareness of God’s call to a deeper and more dedicated discipleship.
Actio
Consider how you can apply the insights gained from this passage to your daily life.
- Embrace Childlike Qualities: Cultivate trust, innocence, and humility in your relationship with God and others.
- Seek God’s Blessing: Make time for prayer and seek God’s blessing for yourself and those around you.
- Live the Commandments: Reflect on your adherence to the Commandments and strive to live them out more fully in your daily life.
- Practice Detachment: Evaluate your attachment to material possessions and consider ways to simplify your life and give to those in need.
- Follow Christ: Renew your commitment to follow Jesus, seeking to align your life more closely with His teachings and example.
