Kingdom Children

Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray.  The disciples rebuked them, but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." After he placed his hands on them, he went away. [Today's Gospel reading]

Children are helpless and dependent on parents for love, care, and safety.   The Kingdom of heaven belongs to them because like the poor, they need the presence of God to care for them.   For children, God’s presence is evidenced through loving parents, godparents and family.  For the poor, God’s presence is known through us and our care, compassion, and support, especially support in the form of battles for social justice that go well beyond simple charity.

The Kingdom of heaven also belongs to children because they forgive easily, and they trust without reservation.   Most adults do neither of these, at least not easily.  We must, and the Our Father reminds us: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Jesus placed his hands on them, prayed, and then he went away.  This was a blessing we all should give to our children before we leave for the day.  A simple sign of the cross on their foreheads and an “I love you” should suffice.   Perhaps these firsts in the Kingdom of heaven should be taught to bless us before we leave.  That would be a divine role reversal.

Deacon David Pierce