Saturday of the 19th
Week in Ordinary Time - Matthew 19:13-15
Today’s Gospel reading is extremely brief; however, these
three verses have a powerful message.
Many children were brought to Jesus so that He might touch
them and pray over them. The disciples
did not approve of this and they rebuked the parents who were bringing their
children to Jesus. Jesus was not pleased
with the disciples. He said to them in a
stern voice, “Let the children come to me.
For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus then placed his hands on the
children. After doing this, he went
away.
Do we let the children come to us? Children have much to teach us. Most adults believe that they know much more
than children. Yet young children
typically see things as they are; they are not yet blinded by the messages of
our grasping culture. Young children often will play with boxes, jump ropes and
other simple games and they will have a wonderful time.
Not long ago, I began visiting an orphanage. The children at this home are babies and young
children up to the age of eight or nine.
Most of these children have been there for most of their young lives;
yet most of the children are joyful and loving.
I am learning much from these children.
They are content with simple food and clothing. It is wonderful to see how they have bonded
with one another, the Sisters who run the orphanage, and their caregivers. They don’t need much, nor do they expect
much. They are joyful and they enjoy their
“brothers and sisters” who live with them.
Today I invite you to notice the children you
encounter! What do you see in the child that
you wish to imitate? Is it gratitude for
the little things? Or a child will
invite you to be more playful? Or
perhaps the child may bring you deep joy simply by being who he or she is. And … a child may entice your inner child to
play, and to be joyful and thankful for the small gifts you receive today.
No comments:
Post a Comment