If you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an Ordeal

Eccles. 2:1-11, Mk 9:30-37. The call to welcome Jesus as one who protects children is strongly stated and rounds off today's Gospel. Jesus identifies very closely with children. He even says that “anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me”. By welcoming children we encounter Jesus and His Father. Just as children easily find other children and quickly begin to enjoy themselves at play time, so we ought to gravitate towards the lowly, our subordinates and the least persons in our society. Childhood in this sense is not a matter of age alone but the ability to express honesty and to be open to others. To welcome Jesus as a child is to open our arms to the infinite possibilities that lie before us in life.

Sirach in today's first reading invites us to reflect on the virtues of our heroes in faith and imitate their godly lives: “Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the Lord and been disappointed?” He beautifully combines fear with confidence: “My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast and do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire".

May the Lord help us to have the full knowledge of the truth so that we may continue to encounter Him in the daily events of life! Amen!! Good morning and have a great day!!!