The Ladder Doesn’t Matter - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Friends, why was the story of Jesus with the little children, versions of which appear in the three synoptic Gospels, so vividly remembered by the first Christians? I think they intuited that it got very close to the heart of Jesus’ teaching. The way Mark sets up his account of this story in our Gospel for this weekend is frankly funny, and it’s an example of the disciples completely missing the point of everything.

Mass Readings
Reading 1 — Wis 2:12, 17-20
Psalm — Ps 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8
Reading 2 — Jas 3:16—4:3
Gospel — Mk 9:30-37

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[diane]

I grew up when the world was fun still a kid in the 70s playing pick up baseball games riding bikes exploring nature. My son grew up in the age of travel soccer and pressure to be a professional athlete at the middle school level lol. He stopped playing because it wasn’t fun. He later while in the military started playing pick up soccer games and found a network of guys who loved to play for the sake of the game. He has never had more enjoyment out of sports in his life and he’s become an amazing athlete for the right reasons. Sports are a great example of how parents go nuts with their kids and steal their joy

[Leo-mrqz]

I am a substitute teacher. It is beneficial for my daughters that I am able to work periodically and focus on their needs, more than working full-time and being preoccupied with others' needs.

On a daily basis, it feels that I have to continuously state my credentials for people. What school I went to, why I am only subbing and not teaching full-time. Basically, in their eyes, why are you settling for less. It's exhausting!

I had my children to raise them, not to throw them in daycare and virtue signal that I'm a superwoman because I can work full-time and have kids, too. I've acknowledged that I can not do it all and have accepted that. ❤ I don't want the honor. I want to raise healthy, well-rounded, psychology sound children who can face this materialistic world with grace, integrity, and intellect.

[alexrebello]

Merton in one of his writings states: So many people spend so much time trying to climb the ladder only to realise at the end that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall!" How powerfully true!

[ritastevenson]

My husband and I are in our 80s. It is not easy to accept the reality of our lack of abilities to do. Thank you for showing us how to accept that reality as God's Plan for us. God's Will not mine. God bless.

[davidyoung]

I consider Bishop Barron to be the successor to Bishop Fulton Sheen. The good Bishop makes the teachings of Jesus very accessilble to those who are seeking Him. Bishop Barron is a great communicator!

[danstoian]

As a Protestant, I can't agree more! Well done, bishop! God bless you!

[bernmount]

God, help me be the person that YOU want me to be. Amen

[cassiem]

I love Bishop Barron's sermons! He makes them so relatable and engaging!

[andrewpaul]

My intention of getting promoted in my job is sheer egotistical, self centred and lack of self esteem. Oh vanity of vanities. Lord have mercy on my foolishness. Confessed yet I still return to these foolish thoughts.

[natalieperez]

Simplicity paves the path for usefulness. The Lord wants us to be available for the fulfillment of His Holy plans.

[ben]

I could listen to Bishop Barron all day 😅

[kayfarquar]

How many times in my life have I heard that bible passage at mass??? Today, I understood it. Thank you!

[rosythomas]

Thanks Bishop Barron, I want to climb the ladder that takes me to Jesus. I don't know how far I can climb but one step at a time, I will reach as far as I can then Jesus will pull me up.

[anneturner]

a child is the definition of innocence. Bless them .

[hugh]

SPOT ON about a CHILD in Jesus's time. Again Bishop Barron nails it! 👍

As a long time successful entrepreneur I'm now working on becoming EGOLESS🙏

[marypinakat]

*"Let us ask the Lord for this grace: that our hearts become free and filled with light, so that we can rejoice as children of God."* - POPE FRANCIS

[elainefalconer]

Thank you Bishop Barron for being the voice of God at this age and time. I pray for your health and safety, because we need you! God bless you.

[maxe_faxe]

Can you imagine being that child, simply unaware yet being entirely what God made him or her to be, being embraced by the physical Lord? We can comprehend this now looking back, but imagine the disciples in their bewilderment at this, not grasping the reality of it all. Praise to You, Lord Jesus Christ!!

[papisoros]

Let us ask that we only kneel before God, before the Holy Trinity
When we kneel before God, we are not humbled, but we are more than Blessed

[maryschaefer]

Bishop Barron's sermons. Light for the day