Scripture:
1 James 3:1-10
Mark 9:2-13
Reflection:
"From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this need not be so. "
1 James 3:10
Several months ago while I was still in Houston I had a simple, touching example of a blessing from a little four year old child. Her family had gathered with others for a farewell party for me. I sat with her family. I noticed that she had a little plate filled with cookies. I looked at her and reached out my hand, asking, "Could I have one of those cookies?" She looked at me, then at her cookies. There was a long pause. Then she picked up a cookie and handed it to me. "Here." I responded of course with a "thank you!" Sharing one’s goodies by a little four year old is a big step forward in realizing that she could make me happy by giving me one of her cookies. She could see the look on my face and hear the tone in my voice. She was free to say either yes or no. But here was a step forward for her in realizing that cookies not only make her happy but others.
Toward the end of the party people were leaving. I noticed that there were many cookies left. I asked her Mom if she would like to take some cookies home. A big smile said, "yes." I got a paper plate and asked her little daughter if she would like to take some cookies home. She understood that question right away! I reached out my hand and asked her to follow me. We had a great time circling the cookie table. Mission of kindness accomplished for both of us.
Blessings are so helpful for each and all of us. Busyness, preoccupation, failing to see the person standing in front of us shrinks a beautiful moment of blessing. Blessings are a wonderful moment to realize that none of us have gotten to this point in our lives without many, many blessings. Have you heard the word "here" recently as you have been offered a cookie recently?!
Fr. Peter Berendt, C.P. is the senior priest at Immaculate Conception Parish in Chicago, Illinois.