Readings: Joshua 24:14-29, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-8,11, Matthew 19:13-15
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
People were bringing their children to Jesus so that He could touch them, but his disciples tried to stop them. Why? 1) The disciples felt that children cannot comprehend God. However, the truth is that children have more faith than many adults 2. They must have felt that children constitute a nuisance. We call it a ‘nuisance’ only because we don’t understand their language. 3) They considered children to be unimportant. For them, Jesus has more important matters to attend to. This is the biggest lie of all.
A parent once asked a priest, “At what age do I start teaching my child how to pray?” The priest asked, “How old is your child now?” She replied, “He will be four years in two months.” “Then you are four years late”, said the priest. We do our children a great disservice when we do not bring them close to Jesus. We are not helping them when we do allow them to attend catechism classes, but we want them to receive the sacraments.
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.” This statement goes beyond bringing our children to church (or leaving them at the Sunday School arena). We must teach them about God. The moment a child starts talking, they should know how to pray by watching us pray. Introduce your children to God before they’re exposed to social media. Otherwise, it may be difficult for them later. If your children can understand cartoons, they can comprehend Bible Stories.
Children are impressionable; like clay, they are easier to mould when soft. However, they learn by example. There is a saying, ‘We cannot give what we don’t have.’ Bringing our children to God begins with bringing ourselves to God. If our practice of religion is just lip service (pretence), our children would know immediately. We would only be scandalising our children if we gave them instructions we never obey.
Why is it important to bring our children to God? Jesus says: “It is to such that God’s kingdom belongs.” Just as children do not doubt God’s existence, we must be childlike to believe in God. Again, just as children are innocent, we must try to be pure in our hearts to see God. Children are very inquisitive; they want to learn. Hence, they ask so many questions. We must also have this childlike humility by recognising that we do not know enough. We must be willing to read God’s word daily.
In today’s First Reading, Joshua concludes his address to the nation of Israel. He tells them to choose who to serve: the God who created them or the gods made by human hands. Joshua added, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Take note, Joshua did not say “as for me alone”. He said, “As for me and my house”, meaning that his entire household is part of his covenant with God. Carry the children along when it comes to religion.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may we never hinder any child from you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 19 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Joshua 24:14-29, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-8,11, Matthew 19:13-15)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu