Blessing of the Children

Today's Reflections 2

Blessing of the Children

 

                                      

Mk 10:13-16

 
13People were bringing children to [Jesus] that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴When 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. ¹⁵Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” ¹⁶Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

Reflection:

Let the children come to me. People bring their children to Jesus that he may bless them. The disciples seek to keep the children away. Perhaps they want to shield Jesus from the nuisance of noisy kids. More likely, their action shows that the disciples have accepted the prevailing view that children are unimportant, having no rights in Jewish society and no practical value.

Jesus challenges this view and declares that God’s kingdom belongs not to adults but to people who know how to be childlike. To be adult usually means to have learned to stand on one’s own and to have made one’s way in this world.

Children, in contrast, know that they utterly depend on and must trust other people from whom they accept everything. They thus mirror the truth that God’s kingdom is not earned or merited but received as gift. Because of their trust and dependence, children are free to enjoy the blessings of life and family, inviting adults to relax, have fun, and play. They easily express whatever is in their hearts and minds.

The feast of Sto. Niño, proper to the Philippines that is a nation of kids and youth, gives us a twofold challenge: learn from our children and take care of them.

We are invited to nurture a grown-up spirituality that enables us—without becoming dumb or irresponsible—to become children, to “let go and let God.”

At the same time, because children utterly depend on us, we adults are called to make their world safe and secure, wholesome and conducive to growth and well-being.

What are the practical implications for you of the devotion to the Sto. Niño?