13 Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, 14 but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 15 After he placed his hands on them, he went away. (Matt 19:13-15)
LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME
One of the things that I missed since the coming of COVID 19 was little children coming to me in school embracing me and taking my hand to ask for my blessing. When I say masses in the parish churches and chapels, children would also flock to me and I would bless them with my hands over their heads. At the lockdowns during the pandemic, we missed the presence of children in means of public transportation, in parks and malls, in our schools and churches. Children were confined to their homes as they took online classes. They were the last ones to avail of vaccines. Thank God, that we have slowly gone back to normal ways of doing things! From last year, the children have gone back to school. They are now present, brought by their parents in religious services. They are now a staple at public places.
The experience of the pandemic makes us adapt even in the way we look at children. Pope Francis, in Amoris Laetitia, asks the question “Where are our children?” He says: “Families cannot help but be places of support, guidance and direction, however much they may have to rethink their methods and discover new resources. Parents need to consider what they want their children to be exposed to, and this necessarily means being concerned about who is providing their entertainment, who is entering their rooms through television and electronic devices, and with whom they are spending their free time. Only if we devote time to our children, speaking of important things with simplicity and concern, and finding healthy ways for them to spend their time, will we be able to shield them from harm. Vigilance is always necessary and neglect is never beneficial.”
We are responsible for these children of ours because, after all, the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. How does our society look at children?
2. Are there children in my family or in my neighborhood? What am I doing for them?
Lord, may our children grow in grace and wisdom!
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