ANYONE WHO IS AN OBSTACLE

PRAYER PAUSE

Thursday 23 February 2017, Polycarp

ANYONE WHO IS AN OBSTACLE

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith, would be better thrown into the sea,” (Mark 9:41-50)

Reflection. Mark is pressing home the cost of being a disciple. We now know vividly the harm psychological, physical or sexual abuse does to people. But any obstacle – even inadvertently – put in the way of another blocks their freedom. Good teachers know that their job is to get out of the way and allow the child to discover. It is true of all relationships. We are there to allow “the space between” us to be a sacred space which opens up for others and for us and which we do not enter without being aware of what we are doing. Otherwise we may be an obstacle.

Prayer. Lord, teach us to “get out of the way” of others struggling to grow in your love. Amen.