TUESDAY

Matthew 18:6

Stumbling over things is not a fun experience. Often not something we were anticipating, it leaves us in pain, frustrated, reactive, and in some cases genuinely injured. It is not any easier to endure if it turns out that it is a result of someone else’s negligence, or worse, their intention. It is even worse if the person who is made to stumble is in a position of vulnerability, or is being exploited. In those cases, we may even—justifiably—feel angry. Thus, we can understand if in today’s passage for reflection, we might detect a bit of anger in Jesus’ voice as he suggests that those who intentionally cause harm to the vulnerable are reflecting some of the worst that we are capable of as fallen human beings. While the intent of the imagery here is less to suggest that of an angry, reactive God lashing out at bullies, it does connect with parental protective instincts enough to express the seriousness with which God takes the way children and the vulnerable are treated. This is Jesus powerfully stating that this is not OK! Neither children nor the vulnerable should be deprived of the ability to live in the light, and we need to be careful that we do not create or contribute to the darkness that can set them up to stumble. As God’s children, it is also important that we do the same for ourselves. It might also mean that it is important that we learn how to turn on the light when we find ourselves in dark places so we can learn to navigate safely, rather than just toughing it out and knowing where to f ind the pain killers. The spirit of innocence and vulnerability that children are often known for is best protected not by developing callouses (though that may happen more than we wish), but by knowing where the light is and how to access it when things are looking dark. Here are a few questions for your continued reflection:

• What are some of the ways that “the light” (that sense of being held in the arms of a loving God) can get turned down for children, making them more prone to injury or to stumble in their walk with Jesus?

• What are some things we can do to keep the lights on and the path as clear as possible for our kids, both when they are taking their first shaky steps, and later when they are walking with more energy and purpose?

• As a child of God, when you find yourself in territory where stumbling is a real possibility, do you find yourself tending more toward seeking out better light, or just forging on ahead, hoping for the best, and relying on ways to manage the pain? How is that working for you?

• What would it mean for us, and for the other children among us, to be able to live more fully in the light? How might we contribute toward realizing that more fully?

• As you listen to today’s passage, do you hear Jesus more expressing criticism or communicating parental protectiveness? How does the way we hear this contribute to or diminish the light we have to walk by?

Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your mind and heart as you reflect on the passage today.