Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 19, 13-15

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

Let the children come to me

1) They brought the children to him. It is so beautiful to see others bringing people to Jesus. Even by just sharing these meditations with your friends, you are bringing them to Jesus. Thank you! I can’t imagine the number of people who have been touched by God through these reflections. In today’s reading, they bring the children to Jesus. Jesus asks us to be more childlike in our faith and to bring His love to everyone. How many people have you brought to Jesus today?

2) They reprimanded. Those closest to Jesus ended up driving people away instead of bringing them near to Him. Today, after more than 2000 years, there are still people close to Jesus who do the same thing. For example, the priest who shouts and gets angry with the parishioner who was just plucking up the courage to go to confession or the person who needs your résumé before they invite you to their parish group. Today, think about how many people you may have driven away with your words and attitudes, instead of inviting them in.

3) He placed his hands on them. It is a symbol that defines the Church, in every sacrament we see the laying of hands. It is a very powerful symbol. When you go to Mass you can see the priest laying his hands on the bread and wine so that they become the Body and Blood of Christ, it is amazing! Today, you are witnessing a blessing from God to you. Keep going because God is with you and invites you to bring others to Him.

May God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Do not forget that Heaven is our goal!