Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
People were bringing children to Jesus that he
might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this
he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not
prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen,
I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will
not enter it.”
One of my favorite parts of mass is the
children's offertory. The priest holds a large wicker basket at the foot
of the altar. Children approach dropping offertory envelopes inside the basket.
Brothers and sisters hold hands as they walk up. A shy child requires a
nudge of encouragement from parents. Other children race up to the basket
occasionally dropping in "surprise gifts" instead of money envelopes!
My heart lights up observing the smiles that radiate from the young faces.
I think to myself: "These young children are such blessings!
How can a woman consider aborting her baby? How can anyone neglect, abuse, or
harm a child? These children are so beautiful and full of joy! They should be
loved and cherished!"
In today's gospel, the disciples rebuke parents
bringing children to Jesus. Did the disciples not like kids? Did
all of the crying and whining give them headaches? Just like many people
complain about the child crying in a nearby pew, I'm sure the disciples were
annoyed at the little ones making a ruckus! Our Lord made it clear: Let
the children come; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such
as these.
How beautiful is childhood innocence: the
carefree spirit, the playfulness, and the natural acceptance of others. Jesus
didn't pass over the children as insignificant. He didn't ignore them
like many parents ignore their own children today. He lovingly accepted
and embraced his little children. He saw their innocence, unconditional
love and trust as something good. In fact, Jesus instructs adults to be more childlike.
In what ways can you become more childlike? We are all children of God
regardless of our age!
We live in a society where children grow up way
too fast. The childhood innocence is short lived, no longer cherished and
nurtured. Why the hurry to be all grown up? Why rush into
adulthood? We need more childlike wonder! Encourage a
little girl to play with her Barbie doll instead of dressing her up as Barbie
for a beauty pageant crown. Allow children to be friends with one
another without the pressure of "pairing up" as boyfriend and
girlfriend. Encourage the exploration of nature and outdoor play instead
of the exploration of violent video games. We should
encourage our children to be children! Prematurely exposing our
children to adult concepts doesn't benefit them. God never planned it this way.
Yet our society encourages, even conditions, our children to behave like
little adults.
Children are amazing instruments of grace and love. They are the future
of our Catholic Church. As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles,
etc. we have the responsibility to properly catechize our youth. We have
a responsibility to protect them from harm as best we can. Yes, it's
impossible for parents to completely shelter their children from evil in the
world. However, parents can teach their kids good manners, kindness
towards others, and a solid understanding of right from wrong. If we wish
for the Catholic Church to thrive, we must make an effort to pass along the
faith to our children. It's not easy. Sometimes our efforts fail.
Our children may leave the faith. But, as long as we make the effort, Our
Lord will bless us. We must never give up hope!
As the Season of Lent fast approaches, instead
of giving up something why don't we spend more time with our children!
Play with them. Pray with them. Eat with them. Read to them.
Teach them. Show them how much they are loved. Always remember our
children are blessings from God. Never take them for granted. We
can learn so much from our children just like they can learn so much from us. A
touch of childlike wonder benefits all of the Children of God!
"Children are the hands by which we take
hold of heaven." (Henry Ward Beecher)
Beautiful meditation. Thank you Fr. Alfonse.
ReplyDeleteDon't thank me. Thank Jennifer!
ReplyDeleteI know!!!!!!! I later realized. Thank you Jemmifer.
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