There are two themes in the readings today that caught my eye: to eat and children. As a parent, auntie, uncle, grandparent or child care provider, you know what it’s like to feed little ones: a lot of trial and error, small bites, smacking of lips, using hands to explore and get accustomed to smells, tastes, and textures. Modeling of eating and sharing of food also takes place. There is a back and forth, give and take of food and relationship. Trust and bonding is woven throughout the eating process.
So it is with the passages in today’s Scriptures. In the first reading God tells Ezekiel to open his mouth to eat what He will give him. Ezekiel did so and it was as sweet as honey in his mouth. He was then instructed to speak the words of the Lord God to others. I sometimes struggle to remember that I too am instructed to speak the words of the Lord to others. I forget that I must listen, reflect, check for understanding, and share with those around me.
The disciples seemed to have similar experiences when trying to learn from Jesus, their Master. Jesus had to physically put a child in their midst to show them what He meant. Whoever becomes like a humble child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
I receive the Word of God by listening to it at Mass or reading Scripture. I consume the Body and Blood of our Lord during the Eucharistic feast. It is my responsibility to unpack the wonder and meaning of this sacred meal. I need to digest and act on what the Father has shared with me.
Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want to lose one sheep – one person, or one child. Each individual is precious to Him. I have a responsibility to share His relationship with all as I go through my days. So eat, child, and share the Good News.
Hay dos temas en las lecturas de hoy que me llamaron la atención: comer y los niños. Como padre, tía, tío, abuelo o cuidador infantil, sabes lo que es alimentar a los pequeños: es mucho intentar y equivocarse, tomar pequeños bocados, chasquear los labios, usar las manos para explorar y acostumbrarse a olores, sabores, y texturas. También modelamos como comer y compartir alimentos. Hay un ida y vuelta, un tomar y recibir de comida y relación. La confianza y la construcción de relaciones se tejen durante todo el proceso de la alimentación.
Lo mismo ocurre en los pasajes de las Escrituras de hoy. En la primera lectura Dios le dice a Ezequiel que abra la boca para comer lo que Él le dará. Ezequiel lo hizo y fue dulce como la miel en su boca. Luego se le ordenó hablar las palabras del Señor Dios a otros. A veces me cuesta recordar que yo también soy instruida a hablar las palabras del Señor a los demás. Me olvido que debo escuchar, reflexionar, comprobar la comprensión y compartir con quienes me rodean.
Los discípulos parecieron tener experiencias semejantes cuando intentaron aprender de Jesús, su Maestro. Jesús tuvo que poner físicamente a un niño entre ellos para mostrarles lo que quería decir. El que llega a ser como un niño humilde es el más grande en el Reino de los Cielos.
Recibo la Palabra de Dios escuchándola en Misa o leyendo las Escrituras. Consumo el Cuerpo y la Sangre de nuestro Señor durante la fiesta Eucarística. Es mi responsabilidad descubrir la maravilla y el significado de esta comida sagrada. Necesito digerir y actuar según lo que el Padre me ha compartido.
Nuestro Padre Celestial no quiere perder ni una sola oveja – una persona o un niño. Cada individuo es precioso para Él. Tengo la responsabilidad de compartir Su relación con todos a lo largo de mis días. Así que, a comer, mi hijo, y comparte la Buena Nueva.
Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
Feature Image Credit: National Cancer Institute, unsplash.com/photos/family-eating-at-the-table-BQPi8F_UON0
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