Create a clean heart in me, O God.--Psalm 51:12
Mass readings: Ezekiel 18:1-10,13,30-32 / Matthew 19:13-15
Last January one of our daughters (we have three) came from Chicago to visit us in Michigan. She headed home on a cold, gray, windy day with a hint of snow in the air. After she'd piled her things in the car, given us a big kiss, and headed west on the expressway, I worried about snow, traffic and bad drivers . . . and I prayed for her.
I thought about that day when I read today's Gospel story of Jesus blessing the children. We read that ''after he placed his hands on them he went away.'' My children have gone away. I see them often, but they're adults now. Still, I pray for them all the time. It's a way I can imitate Jesus, who made a point of praying for children.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, protect my children always. Open their hearts to You.