“The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, “‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise.’” Matthew 21:14-16
What do you possibly see reflected in the eyes and smiles of these four children from Ouanaminthe, Haiti? If you had been sitting at this same table in the same dark classroom and had the camera been pointed at you…what would others have seen in your face? It appears that these four might have the same expressions that will adorn their faces when they enter Heaven and see the Savior of this world, Jesus Christ. We should be that way all the time as we await that moment when He will come for us but the weight of this world too often gets in the way. If you would like to help feed these four and possibly put a smile on your face for doing so it only takes a dollar for their lunch today. I am closing today with the words from the hymn ‘All Glory, Laud, and Honor’ that were written by St. Theodulph of Orleans in 821 and centuries later was translated by John M. Neale in the mid 1800’s. It is interesting to note that Theodulf of Orléans was a writer, poet and the Bishop of Orléans during the reign of Charlemagne and Louis the Pious. He was a key member of the Carolingian Renaissance and an important figure during the many reforms of the church under Charlemagne. He was thought to have written perhaps 60 hymns during his lifetime; some better than others.
“All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. Thou art the King of Israel, Thou David's royal Son, Who in the Lord's name comest, the King and Blessed One. All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. The company of angels are praising Thee on high, and mortal men and all things created make reply. All glory, laud and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. The people of the Hebrews with psalms before Thee went; our praise and prayer and anthems before Thee we present. All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. To Thee, before Thy Passion, they sang their hymns of praise; to Thee, now high exalted, our melody we raise. All glory, laud, and honor to Thee, Redeemer, King, to whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring. Thou didst accept their praises; accept the prayers we bring, Who in all good delightest, Thou good and gracious King.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
May God be with you…Jay