Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray. // Matthew 19:13
I have to be honest with you, sister. As I read today’s Gospel, I could not think of a nice story to share that might be of some inspiration. Instead, my thoughts went elsewhere.
How many times in the past and even now in our churches and schools have our children undergone hurt and abuse at the hands of priests, religious, teachers, and laypeople? The stories we hear are countless. The children were supposed to be brought to the Lord, that He might lay His hand of blessing upon them. But instead, by hands impure these children were wounded. And so, I ask you to join me, sister, in praying for them with intention today, that Our Lord’s pure and healing hands would hold them and make them whole and healed and restored.
Please pray with me:
Lord Jesus, the little children were brought to You and You laid your holy and precious hands on them to pray for them and bless them. We ask for Your mercy for the innumerable times that children have undergone deep hurt and abuse within the Church, Your Bride. In Your great goodness and love, won’t You bring healing and restore the places of ruin within Her?
Lord Jesus, lay Your healing hands upon us and make all things new. May each person affected by physical, spiritual, or mental abuse within the Church experience abundant, profound, and lasting healing. Let there be true conversion and repentance in the hearts of those who have hurt your most precious ones. Redress and redeem, dear Lord, the wounds inflicted by Your ministers and people. We ask this by the merits You won for us on the Cross, since it is by Your stripes that we are healed (see Isaiah 53:5). Jesus, we trust in You. Amen.
Rocio Hermes is a Dominican-born, US-raised, stay-at-home mom who is excited about building community, baking desserts, and writing poetry. She holds a Master’s degree in Theology and has lived in Ethiopia as a missionary. Rocio now lives in Israel with her German husband and their son. She is a contributing author to Blessed Conversations: Dwell. You can read more from her at graceandmercyblog.com.
Rocío Hermes es una mama de casa nacida en República Dominicana y criada en Estados Unidos, a quien le entusiasma construir una comunidad, hornear postres y escribir poesía. Tiene una maestría en Teología y ha vivido en Etiopía como misionera. Rocío ahora vive en Israel con su marido alemán y su hijo. Es autora colaboradora de Blessed Conversations: Dwell. Puede leer más sobre ella en Graceandmercyblog.com.
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