These little ones who believe in Christ
Earlier this week, I had the good fortune to preside at a service for the boys’ school. As I looked at the sea of boys gathered in the parish church, my mind ran to this week’s Gospel Mark 9:38-48 ‘whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung round his neck and he were thrown into the sea.’ I thought of the immence responsibilities of teachers, parents, guardians and caregivers of children.
I felt the weight of the Gospel’s message. The boys before me represented not just the future of the Church but the future of society. The call to guide them in faith and morality is more urgent than ever, knowing that each word and action we impart could either lead them closer to Christ or cause them to stumble.
It reminded me that our roles as educators, parents, and spiritual leaders carry a sacred trust to nurture these young souls, ensuring that we lead by example and help them build a foundation rooted in love, compassion, and integrity.
I believe Jesus was also referring to his disciples and by extention us, his followers today, when he used the phrase ‘these little ones’. He was saying that we have an obligation to nurture and safeguard each other’s faith, particularly the faith of those who are vulnerable or new in their spiritual journey.
As members of the Body of Christ, we are called to support one another with compassion, patience, and understanding, ensuring that no one is led astray or discouraged. Our responsibility is to create a community where faith can grow, where spiritual and emotional needs are met, and where each person's relationship with God is protected and strengthened.
We do this by sharing the Word of God and providing spiritual guidance and mentorship. We must also model Christ like behaviour, pray for one another and help each other discover their Holy Spirit gifts.
This newsletter is my little way of contributing to this effort. By supporting my online ministry of the word, you also are nurturing and safeguarding another’s faith. I encourage you to visit the link below to participate in my upcoming Retreat to discern how God is guiding you through the changes in your life to become a better missionary disciple.