Secret at the Rail - February 5

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 80; PM Psalm 77, [79]; Gen. 25:19-34; Heb. 13:1-16; John 7:37-52; Mark 10:13-22*

Secrets of Sunday:  So, I have some insider news.  There is a lot of goodness that most of the church misses on Sunday.  The people who sit behind the rail, our acolytes and Eucharistic Ministers, see a whole different side of the congregation.  Not only is the altar party facing the congregation during worship, but we come face to face with people receiving the Eucharist.  We get to experience what happens at the rail.

It is a gift and a privilege to share in that way, and to be clear, anyone who has been Confirmed or Received in the Episcopal church can go through training to be a Eucharistic Minister.  I encourage you to consider if that would be meaningful.  At our church, especially at the 9:00 a.m. service, there are an unusually high number of small children. What warms my heart every single time is the enthusiasm and curiosity of our youngest friends when they receive communion.  Some reach with urgency.  Others are bold with a smile that conveys a deep love for wanting to know Jesus Christ.  I try to bend down and get on eye level so I can capture each moment as they teach me what it means to yearn for God. 

In today’s lesson from Mark, the people are bringing their children to Jesus.  The disciples are quite upset (they often miss the mark).  Jesus rebukes the disciples and offers some wisdom.  “Truly I tell you whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will never enter it.”  Children understand something that we need to hold on it.  They trust, they adore, they play, and they engage with an honesty that can’t be reserved.

I truly learn something from our young people.  I learn to yearn, to see the joy and gift and hospitality in community and the gift of the Eucharist.  They teach me just how precious the Eucharist can truly be.  Pay attention this week, they are offering a gift that we all need to receive.

John+

* Edit: I accidentally wrote my reflection on Sunday’s Daily Office reading but still wanted to share.

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What do you learn from children?  How have children taught you in the past?