Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” – Matthew 19:14

Kid Lesson #1: Darrie Cleason was watching TV when her three-year-old daughter Emily said, “Talked to Jesus over the phone and He said I’m going to heaven.” Darrie said,  “That’s great! But how did you know His number?” Emily replied, “No, mom, He called me!”

       Kid Lesson #2: A father gave his little boy P50 and told him he could use it any way he wanted. Later, when the dad asked about it, the boy said that he had lent it to someone.

       “Who did you lend it to?” asked the dad. The boy answered, “I gave it to a poor man on the street because he looked hungry.”  “Oh, that was foolish. You’ll never get it back,” said the father. “But Daddy, the Bible says that people who give to the poor lend to the Lord.”

       The father was so pleased with the son’s reply that he gave the boy another P50. “See,” said the son. “I told you I would get it back — only I didn’t think it would be so soon!”

       Kid lessons from the two stories: I am called by God — to be blessed and to be a blessing. Jon Escoto (faithatworkjon@gmail.com)

Reflection: In which area of your life do you feel that God wants you to exercise faith and obedience like that of a child?

Lord, please give me back the grace of childlike faith and reckless obedience to Your Word. Thank You.

St. Stephen of Hungary, pray for us.

Ezekiel is calling on the people of Israel to take responsibility for their actions and stop blaming others for the difficulties in their lives. The things we do have an effect on others’ lives; however, this does not mean that just because a person has a difficult life they are not responsible for their actions. There is also an implicit call here for parents to ensure that the example of faith they give their children is a good one.

1 The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, 2 what is the meaning of this proverb that you recite in the land of Israel: “Fathers have eaten green grapes, thus their children’s teeth are on edge”? 3 As I live, says the Lord God, I swear that there shall no longer be anyone among you who will repeat this proverb in Israel. 4 For all lives are mine; the life of the father is like the life of the son, both are mine; only the one who sins shall die. 5 If a man is virtuous — if he does what is right and just, 6 if he does not eat on the mountains, nor raise his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel; if he does not defile his neighbor’s wife, nor have relations with a woman in her menstrual period; 7 if he oppresses no one, gives back the pledge received for a debt, commits no robbery; if he gives food to the hungry and clothes the naked; 8 if he does not lend at interest nor exact usury; if he holds off from evildoing, judges fairly between a man and his opponent; 9 if he lives by my statutes and is careful to observe my ordinances, that man is virtuous — he shall surely live, says the Lord God. 10 But if he begets a son who is a thief, a murderer, or 13 lends at interest and exacts usury — this son certainly shall not live. Because he practiced all these abominations, he shall surely die; his death shall be his own fault. 30 Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, each one according to his ways, says the Lord God. Turn and be converted from all your crimes, that they may be no cause of guilt for you. 31 Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord God. Return and live!

R: Create a clean heart in me, O God.

10 [12] A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. 11 [13] Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me. (R) 12 [14] Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me. 13 [15] I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you. (R) 16 [18] For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 17 [19] My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (R)

The Church has always welcomed children in baptism under the assumption that the parents and godparents would teach them the basic truths of our faith and through the witness of their own lives. It is a big responsibility to raise children. It is also a significant responsibility to take on the role of being a godparent to a child. It is not just a photo opportunity or the chance to be a giver of presents at Christmas and birthdays.

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

13 Children were brought to Jesus 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.

think:  Parents are called to ensure that the example of faith they give their children is a good one.

NEVER TOO YOUNG TO FOLLOW THE LORD

Jesus will never reject us if we approach Him, no matter how young we are. Jesus is always ready to embrace the impulsiveness of youth and to work with it to help it grow into mature faith. Jesus will never take the chance to lose someone because of inattention on His part. Therefore, we don’t need to worry that He will not give us due attention when we approach Him.

       It is a joy to see young people surrendering their lives to the will and service of God. One of the best aspects of priestly ministry is working with young people as they discover their faith and open their hearts to Jesus. It is a very rocky road that they walk as the world around them does not want to lose them to a life of holiness. The pull for them to surrender themselves to the gods of materialism, consumerism and pleasure is too strong. The tentacles of the world are often very hard to resist and break.

       The trouble comes when the youth do not feel welcomed by the Church and, thus, they go elsewhere to “find themselves,” often with disastrous results, as the world is quick to offer alternatives such as partying, alcohol, drugs, sex and so on. The Church, and that means all of us, must learn to be attentive to the needs of the various groups in our midst. I, for one, do not want to have to explain why I rejected someone who wanted to participate in the life of the Church for some spurious reason.

       Jesus embraced all who came to Him, and so should we. We need to pray for the grace to be open to all and then act upon it. In this way, the Church will embrace all those who wish to follow Jesus as His disciples. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

REFLECTION QUESTION: How do you welcome and treat young people? Are they a nuisance to you or do you lead them to the right path?

Jesus, You are always open to those who wish to be Your disciples. Help me to be accepting of all who come to me for discipleship and help me to lead them closer to You.