Lent Week 5—Wednesday
Psalm 119:145-176 Exodus 7:8-24 2 Corinthians 2:14-36 Mark 10:1-16
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God
belongs to such as these.” In the outdoor columbarium at First Baptist Church in Shreveport, there is a captivating bronze sculpture of Jesus holding two children. It is one of the most beautiful renderings of this passage I have ever seen. When my youngest grandchild was three, I would often pick him up from school, and he would always want to visit the statue before leaving; it was our routine. We would park the car, walk up the hill, and spend time with Jesus. Porter would circle the statue and point out every detail – Jesus’s hair, feet, sandals, beard, clothes, and eyes. He often wanted to climb up and sit at Christ’s feet with the children, which he did. He would gaze into the eyes and tell me that Jesus was smiling at him. Before he left, he would look at the statue and say, “I love you, Jesus.” He is almost six now, and he still likes to visit the statue when I pick him up. When I think of Porter’s love for Christ, I realize that this was nurtured by many people. He is part of a loving family for whom faith and church are at the center of their lives. St. Mark’s has been a loving environment which has helped his faith grow. Our catechists, child-care workers, choir, staff, and parishioners – as well as our beautiful cathedral – provide an atmosphere of love, acceptance, and spirituality. I smile every time I see one of our clergy stop to take a child’s hand, give them a “high five” or a fist bump, or kneel to visit with them after a service. I know that Porter’s friend Jesus is smiling with me.
As we approach Holy Week, let us come with the love and innocence of children, with awe and thanksgiving for Him who gave His life for us.
- Carol Anne Caraway
The Carpenter's Nail 