Read Joshua 24:14-29, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-8,11, Matthew 19:13-15
“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
People brought their children to Jesus so that He could touch them, but his disciples tried to stop them. Why? Some common lies we often tell ourselves include: 1. Children cannot comprehend or adore God. If properly taught, children have more faith than many adults 2. Children constitute much nuisance. We call it a nuisance because we don’t understand children's language. We don’t understand them because we hardly spend time with them 3. Children are not so important; Jesus has more important matters. This is the biggest lie of all.
A parent once asked a priest: “At what age do I start teaching my child how to pray?” In return, the priest asked, “How old is your child now.” She replied: “He will be four years in two months.” “Then you are four years late already,” said the priest. We do our children a great disservice when we do not allow them to attend catechism classes, but we want them to receive the sacraments.
Jesus said: “Let the children come to me.” This statement goes beyond bringing our children to church (or leaving them at the Sunday School arena). We must teach them about God. The moment a child starts talking, they should know how to pray by watching us pray. Introduce your children to God before they know about social media. Otherwise, it may be difficult for them later. If your children can understand cartoons, they can understand Bible Stories.
Children are impressionable; like clay, they are easier to mould when soft. However, they learn by example. There is a saying, ‘We cannot give what we don’t have.’ Bringing our children to God begins with bringing ourselves to God. If our practice of religion is just lip service (pretence), our children would know immediately. We would only be scandalising our children if we gave them instructions we never obey.
Why is it important to bring our children to God? Jesus says: “It is to such that God’s kingdom belongs.” Just as children do not doubt God’s existence, we must be childlike to believe in God. Again, just as children are innocent, we must try to be pure in our hearts to see God. Children are very curious; they want to learn. Hence they ask so many questions. We must also have this childlike humility by recognising that we do not know enough. We must be willing to read God’s word daily.
In today’s First Reading, Joshua concludes his address to the nation of Israel. He tells them to choose who to serve; the God who created them or the gods made by human hands. Joshua added: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Take note, Joshua did not say “as for me alone”. He said, “As for me and my house”, meaning that his entire household is part of his covenant with God. Carry the children along when it comes to religion.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, may I never hinder any child from you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of week 19 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Joshua 24:14-29, Ps. 16:1-2,5,7-8,11, Matthew 19:13-15).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu