January 21, 2021

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year B

It's never easy to hit the "send" button on a lectionary reading reflection.  There is always more to say, or less to say.  There are always different ways to approach a reading.  I usually try not to overthink it.  I read, write, and send.  But yesterday I wish I would have said more.  So, let me go back to Luke 18:15-17, the passage about Jesus blessing the little children.

I have been thinking about the story of how Joe Biden grew up struggling with stuttering.  He was bullied and teased mercilessly.  His teacher made fun of him, causing his mother to come to school to defend her son.  Biden was determined, and practiced reciting poetry in the mirror to overcome his stutter.  And now he is the 46th President of the United States.

But along the way he met Brayden Harrington, a 13 year old who came to see candidate Biden on the campaign trail.  Brayden also stuttered.  When Biden was told about Brayden he stopped what he was doing and spent time encouraging the young man.  He said they belonged to a special club.  He gave Brayden some tips of what had helped Joe out through the years when the words were difficult to speak.  He connected, and they encouraged one another.  Here is a video of their story.

This is what Jesus modeled in Luke 18.  Let the little children come to me, do not stop them.  There is no one who is less than or not important enough for our time and attention.  All of us are made in the image of God.  And, the moments we spend growing in grace together without teasing or bullying or slandering one another, the closer we find ourselves to the heart of God.  

Brayden participated in the Celebration of America event last night.  He spoke the words of John F. Kennedy without stumble or stutter, but knowing he was loved and accepted no matter what.  Take a look at the attached video and just imagine what is possible when we lift one another up.  Let us encourage and bless the children.

--
Peace,
Dean