Thoughts for the Day

People were bringing little children to Jesus in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

It was 14 years after our marriage before my husband and I had a child, and we made a lot of discoveries, not least that we could to some extent see things through our son's eyes. Every new experience was exciting whether it was to have his hand licked by a dog or watch a sparkler on bonfire night. He didn't automatically dislike anything, which was amazing. It made me realise why we need to be so careful with small children, for he would gauge our expressions and learn from us. I vowed that I would encourage him to eat things I disliked and not give him any idea of my feelings. Hence he liked marmite, but I still really hate it!

Children are curious and come to each new experience willing to learn unless taught otherwise. In their innocence all is safe and everything told to them is the truth, which is why of course we have to guide them so carefully. But equally we have to watch that we don't give them our prejudices and make judgements for them, but allow them to grow to make their own decisions about life.

Jesus says that the Kingdom of God belongs to those like children, who come to him curious, innocent, vulnerable, and wanting to experience His love. No matter how old we are, Jesus calls us to approach Him with some or all of these characteristics, to lay aside our certainties and our prejudices and welcome Him into our life each day. Michel Quoist, a French priest and writer once said this:

• "Alleluia! Alleluia! Open, all of you, little old men: it is I, your God, the Eternal, risen from the dead, coming to bring back to life the child in you. Hurry! Now is the time. I am ready to give you again the beautiful face of a child, the beautiful eyes of a child... for I love youngsters, and I want everyone to be like them.”

Lord Jesus Christ,
You called the children to You
and welcomed them with love.
May we yearn to come to You
as naturally as the children did,
knowing that we need You.
May we lay aside our certainties
and our prejudices,
and come as a vulnerable child
before You this day.
Amen.