St Matthew 19: 13 – 15
Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
Reflection
In this short passage we are called to recognise how Jesus loved, and demonstrated that love, for children.
Jesus’ act is, for many, countercultural. For in this world the weak, small, and vulnerable are often disregarded without any care. However, for Jesus children come with no power or status and are the very embodiment of God’s Kingdom. A Kingdom where worth is not measured by position, strength or wealth but by innocence, trust, and love.
The passage challenges us to see all children as Jesus did, precious, sacred, and very much deserving of our love. When Jesus told the disciples “Let the children come” this was not just a spiritual invitation, it was a moral command. A command to break down the barriers of hatred, indifference, and violence that prevent children from experiencing life, love, and care.
When we look at the world in all its horror today, we witness children, the most vulnerable amongst people, caught in the crossfire of conflicts and wars. Wars which are in complete disobedience to the word of Christ who commanded us to “love our neighbour”.
It is therefore our responsibility, as the present disciples of Christ, to take a stance. To “let the children come”, to care for all the children of this world in whichever way we can. To give them a voice and to make their voices heard by those in power who put selfish I injustice before human life.
Jesus’ gentle act of blessing was a radical declaration that the compassion of God is, first and foremost, focused on those the world forgets. For instance, in Gaza, Ukraine and all other places where children suffer. This passage calls us to embody that same compassion. Not just in lip service but in advocacy, action and prayer. For, as Jesus reminds us, the Kingdom of heaven belongs to the weak and downtrodden.
When we defend, love and cherish the lives of children, we draw closer to that Kingdom on earth.
Prayer
Holy One,
You welcomed the little ones with open arms,
and so, we bring before You
the children of Gaza, Ukraine
and far too many other parts of this world,
living in fear, hunger, and loss,
Shelter them in your loving arms,
bring healing to their hearts,
safety to their homes
and peace to their lands.
In the name of Jesus, we pray.
Amen