Embracing Childlike Faith and Humility in Christ
Summary
### Summary
In today's Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus takes his disciples on a journey through Galilee, away from the crowds, to teach them about his impending passion, death, and resurrection. Despite having been with Jesus constantly, the disciples do not understand his message and are afraid to question him. Instead, they argue among themselves about who is the greatest. Jesus addresses their misunderstanding by calling a child to him and teaching that to be first, one must be the last and the servant of all. He emphasizes the importance of receiving a child in his name, symbolizing the need for humility, innocence, and faith.
Jesus' call to be like children is a call to embrace qualities such as joy, love, peace, and trust. As adults, we often strive to grow up and leave behind childlike qualities, but Jesus reminds us that these are essential for entering the kingdom of God. He calls us to share this childlike faith and love with those around us, especially within our families and communities.
Additionally, today marks the beginning of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process at St. Peter's. This program is designed for those without a faith background, those from other faith traditions who wish to become Catholic, and baptized Catholics who have not received all the sacraments of initiation. The RCIA program offers a welcoming environment to build a relationship with God, study scriptures, and learn about the core teachings of the Church. It is an opportunity for spiritual growth and community building.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Childlike Qualities: Jesus calls us to be like children, filled with joy, love, peace, and faith. These qualities are essential for entering the kingdom of God. As adults, we often strive to grow up and leave behind these childlike attributes, but Jesus reminds us that they are crucial for our spiritual journey. [22:50]
2. Humility and Service: To be first in the kingdom of God, one must be the last and the servant of all. Jesus teaches this by placing a child in the midst of his disciples, emphasizing that greatness in God's eyes is measured by humility and service to others. [19:38]
3. Ask Questions and Seek Understanding: The disciples were afraid to question Jesus about his teachings. We are encouraged to ask questions and seek a deeper understanding of our faith. Jesus welcomes our inquiries and desires to guide us in our spiritual growth. [20:22]
4. Share God's Love: Jesus calls us to share his love with those around us, especially within our families and communities. There is always someone in need of our love, care, and support. By sharing God's love, we fulfill our calling as Christians. [23:37]
5. RCIA as a Path to Spiritual Growth: The RCIA program at St. Peter's offers a welcoming environment for those seeking to deepen their faith and become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. It is an opportunity to build a relationship with God, study scriptures, and learn about the core teachings of the Church. [24:18]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:02] - Disciples' Argument
[19:38] - Jesus' Teaching on Greatness
[20:22] - Disciples' Fear to Question
[20:56] - Reference to Last Sunday's Reading
[21:29] - Examples of Disciples' Arguments
[22:08] - Jesus' Lesson with a Child
[22:50] - Importance of Childlike Qualities
[23:37] - Call to Share God's Love
[24:18] - Introduction to RCIA
[24:59] - Categories of RCIA Participants
[25:36] - Details of RCIA Program
[26:10] - Encouragement to Evangelize
[26:41] - Prayers for the Community
[29:12] - Sign of Peace and Conclusion
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Mark 9:30-37 (NIV)
> "They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, 'The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.' But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it. They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, 'What were you arguing about on the road?' But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest. Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.' He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 'Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples arguing about on their way to Capernaum? [19:02]
2. How did Jesus respond to the disciples' argument about who was the greatest? [19:38]
3. What qualities does Jesus highlight by placing a child in the midst of the disciples? [22:08]
4. Why were the disciples afraid to question Jesus about his teachings? [20:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples were more focused on arguing about greatness rather than understanding Jesus' message about his death and resurrection? [21:29]
2. What does Jesus mean when he says, "Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all"? How does this challenge common views of greatness? [19:38]
3. How can the qualities of a child—such as joy, love, peace, and faith—help us in our spiritual journey? [22:50]
4. In what ways does Jesus' teaching about welcoming a child in his name relate to humility and service? [22:08]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were more concerned with your own status or greatness. How can you shift your focus to serving others instead? [19:38]
2. Jesus calls us to embrace childlike qualities. Which of these qualities—joy, love, peace, or faith—do you find most challenging to maintain as an adult? How can you work on cultivating this quality in your daily life? [22:50]
3. The disciples were afraid to ask Jesus questions. Are there aspects of your faith or life where you feel afraid to seek understanding? How can you overcome this fear and seek answers? [20:22]
4. Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and service. Identify one practical way you can serve someone in your community this week. [19:38]
5. Jesus calls us to share God's love with those around us. Think of someone in your family or community who needs love and support. What specific action can you take to show them God's love this week? [23:37]
6. The RCIA program is an opportunity for spiritual growth and community building. If you or someone you know is seeking to deepen their faith, how can you encourage participation in this program? [24:18]
7. Reflect on the qualities of a child that Jesus highlights. How can you incorporate these qualities into your interactions with others, especially in challenging situations? [22:50]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace Childlike Faith
Jesus calls us to be like children, filled with joy, love, peace, and faith. These qualities are essential for entering the kingdom of God. As adults, we often strive to grow up and leave behind these childlike attributes, but Jesus reminds us that they are crucial for our spiritual journey. Embracing childlike faith means trusting God completely, finding joy in His presence, and loving others with a pure heart. It is a call to return to the simplicity and innocence that we often lose as we grow older. By doing so, we open ourselves to a deeper relationship with God and a more fulfilling spiritual life. [22:50]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And he said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt pure joy or peace as a child. How can you recapture that childlike faith and trust in your relationship with God today?
Day 2: Humility and Service
To be first in the kingdom of God, one must be the last and the servant of all. Jesus teaches this by placing a child in the midst of his disciples, emphasizing that greatness in God's eyes is measured by humility and service to others. True greatness is not about power or status but about serving others selflessly. This teaching challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and to seek ways to serve those around us, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. By embracing humility and service, we align ourselves with the values of the kingdom of God and reflect the character of Christ. [19:38]
Mark 9:35 (ESV): "And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, 'If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'"
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who could use your help or support. How can you serve them selflessly this week?
Day 3: Ask Questions and Seek Understanding
The disciples were afraid to question Jesus about his teachings. We are encouraged to ask questions and seek a deeper understanding of our faith. Jesus welcomes our inquiries and desires to guide us in our spiritual growth. It is important to approach our faith with curiosity and a desire to learn, rather than fear or hesitation. By asking questions and seeking answers, we deepen our relationship with God and grow in our understanding of His will for our lives. This process of seeking and learning is a vital part of our spiritual journey. [20:22]
James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Reflection: What is one question you have about your faith or a specific teaching of Jesus? Take time today to seek an answer through prayer, scripture, or discussion with a trusted mentor.
Day 4: Share God's Love
Jesus calls us to share his love with those around us, especially within our families and communities. There is always someone in need of our love, care, and support. By sharing God's love, we fulfill our calling as Christians. This involves being attentive to the needs of others, offering a listening ear, providing practical help, and showing compassion. Sharing God's love is not just about grand gestures but also about small acts of kindness that make a significant impact on the lives of others. It is through these acts of love that we become true witnesses of Christ's love in the world. [23:37]
1 John 4:11-12 (ESV): "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us."
Reflection: Think of someone in your community or family who might be feeling lonely or neglected. How can you show them God's love in a tangible way today?
Day 5: RCIA as a Path to Spiritual Growth
The RCIA program at St. Peter's offers a welcoming environment for those seeking to deepen their faith and become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church. It is an opportunity to build a relationship with God, study scriptures, and learn about the core teachings of the Church. This program is designed for those without a faith background, those from other faith traditions who wish to become Catholic, and baptized Catholics who have not received all the sacraments of initiation. The RCIA process is a journey of spiritual growth and community building, providing a supportive space for individuals to explore their faith and grow closer to God. [24:18]
Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: If you are considering deepening your faith or know someone who might benefit from the RCIA program, what steps can you take today to explore this opportunity or invite them to join?
Quotes
1. "If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all, and the servant of all. Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, whoever receives one child, such as this in my name, receives me. And whoever receives me, receives not me, but the one who sent me." [19:02] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "As a young child, we all start out filled with joy and faith and love and innocence and trust. It's still possible to believe in things we don't see. As a young child, we don't judge. We don't care about race or creed or color. We don't care about power or prestige or position. And I'm pretty sure little children don't argue about who's the greatest." [22:50] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So today, my dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I think Jesus is calling all of us. One, he's calling us to ask him questions. Don't be afraid to ask him questions. But two, he's calling each one of us to be like that child, to be filled with joy and love and peace and faith, to be filled with so much faith and love that we want to share it with all those around us." [23:37] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He's calling us every day. And for all of us, the easiest part of that is sharing it with our family, right? I'm going to suggest to you that today, there is someone in your family that needs you, that needs your love, that needs your care, that needs your words, that needs your comfort, that needs your touch. And maybe there's someone in your neighborhood who's sick that needs your love as well. Or perhaps it's someone at school or at work." [23:37] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We know in the gospels, Jesus often talks about children and he uses them to teach his disciples about entering the kingdom of God. We know he says, you must be like a child to enter the kingdom, right? We must transform ourselves to be like a child. Now that sounds a little strange, at least to me, because I think most of our lives we're trying to grow up, right? We're trying not to be that child. But Jesus tells us, be like a child. So why is that?" [22:08] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Now, today, we also have the opportunity to share God's love and our Catholic faith with all of our brothers and sisters here at St. Peter's because we are about to begin the RCIA process. RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. It's the program and the process that the Catholic Church uses to prepare and welcome its newest, fully initiated members into the Christian community." [24:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We spend a lot of time building our relationship with God. We meet weekly. We pray together. We study the scriptures. We share our faith with one another. We learn about the core teachings of the church. Our classes will begin on Wednesday, October the 9th. We'll meet on Wednesday nights. And they conclude in late April timeframe at that incredible Easter vigil service. If you have never been to Easter vigil, you should go. It is amazing." [25:36] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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