Daily Reflection – Sep 26, 2016

Monday 26 September 2016

First Reading: Job 1:6-22
Responsorial Psalm:
Lord, bend your ear and hear my prayer
Psalm 16(17):1-3, 6-7
Gospel Reading: Luke 9:46-50

Today’s Saint: St Cosmas and St Damian, Martyrs (Optional Memorial)

Gospel Reading:

An argument arose among the disciples
about which of them was the greatest.
Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child
and placed it by his side and said to them,
“Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.
For the one who is least among all of you
is the one who is the greatest.”

Then John said in reply,
“Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name
and we tried to prevent him
because he does not follow in our company.”
Jesus said to him,
“Do not prevent him, for whoever is not against you is for you.”

Reflection:

Whoever receives this child in my name receives me. (Luke 9:48)

What’s in a name? A lot? Or not very much at all? After reading today’s Gospel, you might say, “Both.” Because if your name is Jesus, that’s really something! But it’s “something” for you only to the degree that you are connected to him and to the grace that his name carries.

Jesus’ disciples were still playing the “name game,” squabbling over who would become the most famous apostle. So Jesus brought a small child to himself—a child whose name we never hear. You can imagine him situating the young person right by his side, with his hands on the little one’s shoulders. Then, when you hear him say, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me,” you realize that Jesus has connected himself with this child in a special way (Luke 9:48). That’s one lucky kid!

That child is you! In fact, Jesus has joined himself with you in an even deeper way than the little one in today’s Gospel. Through the Spirit, he dwells in your heart. Think about that: the Lord of heaven happily makes his home in you. He delights in giving you a special place in God’s family and conferring his own name upon you. You could even insert your own name into this phrase and hear Jesus say, Whoever receives ___________ receives me, for I have joined myself to them and will never leave them.

It makes no difference if your name is never printed in newspapers or in the Bible, for that matter. When you turn to Jesus and call on his name, no matter the circumstance, you are reaffirming your permanent connection with him. And as you do, grace will flow into you through your bond with him.

So call on Jesus’ name in the middle of the storm, and you will receive his peace. Are you uncertain about a decision? You have access to the wisdom of Christ to guide you. Are you lonely or weary? Jesus walks alongside you, encouraging you and giving you his strength. You bear the name of Christ—and nothing can overcome that name!

“Jesus, ‘I call upon you, for you will answer me’ (Psalm 17:6). Thank you for joining yourself to me and standing beside me in every situation.”