Welcome one such child

The Rev. Scot McComas preaches this week about the Gospel of Mark, wherein the disciples argued among themselves as to who was the greatest of them. Jesus pointed out that to be the greatest, meant to be the lowest, or humblest – to welcome & care for those who are uncared for. Jesus especially tells them to welcome a child, for children are vulnerable and in need of help.

Father Scot then talks about how we can practice this in our daily lives today. He speaks about his own experiences in sponsoring a child through Compassion International, and what that has meant to him, and to the child he sponsors. For less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day, you too can help a child in need. Every child is a child of God, and when we help a child, we share the love of Jesus.

Prayer For the Care of Children – The Book of Common Prayer p. 829

Almighty God, heavenly Father, you have blessed us with the
joy and care of children: Give us calm strength and patient
wisdom as we bring them up, that we may teach them to love
whatever is just and true and good, following the example of
our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer For the Poor and the Neglected – The Book of Common Prayer p. 826

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you
all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us
to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick,
and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those
who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow
into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for
our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scriptures for the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost