Blessing of the Children

Today's Reflections

Blessing of the Children 

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Mt 19:13-15

¹³Children were brought to [Jesus] that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked them, ¹⁴but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ¹⁵After he placed his hands on them, he went away.

Reflection:

Let the children come to me. For the Jews, children are insignificant and sometimes a nuisance. But for Jesus, they are role models for discipleship. He welcomes them anytime and blesses them.

A child is considered helpless, powerless, vulnerable. Children depend upon their parents and elders. We, too, must present ourselves before God in the same manner. We must accept our limitations and express our need for God. We must rely on God’s power and providence, for without God, we are lost, helpless, defenseless.

Children are normally trustful of their parents, elders, guardians, or older siblings. They obey them and even imitate them. They are willing to learn. In the same manner, we, too, must trust God and willingly accept God’s plans for us. God knows best. We only have to obey God’s commandments and follow in Jesus’ footsteps. We have to learn God’s ways which include welcoming others to Jesus’ community.

How much of a child are you in the sight of the Lord?

Do you teach the right values to your children?

How do you guide them to fulfill their roles in the community?