Gospel 

Mt 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. 

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ,

today’s Gospel reading presents us with a tender and powerful moment in the life of Jesus. Children are brought to him, and he welcomes them with open arms, laying his hands on them and praying for them.

But what's striking is the reaction of the disciples. They rebuke the children, trying to keep them away from Jesus. Perhaps they thought Jesus was too busy, or that the children were too insignificant.

But Jesus corrects them, saying, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

What does Jesus mean by this? Why does he welcome children, and why does he say the Kingdom belongs to them?

Firstly, Jesus is showing us the value and worth of every human being, regardless of age or status. In a world where children were often marginalized, Jesus elevates them, saying they are included in the Kingdom.

Secondly, Jesus is highlighting the qualities of children that make them receptive to the Kingdom: curiosity, wonder, humility, and trust. Children don't come with preconceptions or agendas; they come with open hearts.

Finally, Jesus is challenging us to become like children ourselves. To approach God with humility, to trust in His goodness, and to receive His love with wonder.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves:

- Do we value and welcome the vulnerable and marginalized, like Jesus does?

- Do we approach God with the humility and trust of a child?

- Are we willing to learn from the curiosity and wonder of children?

May we be guided by Jesus' teaching, and may we become like children, receptive to the Kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We come before you today, grateful for the tender and powerful moment in the life of Jesus when he welcomed children and prayed for them. We thank you for the value and worth you place on every human being, regardless of age or status.

Help us to welcome and include the vulnerable and marginalized, just as Jesus did. Give us the humility and trust of a child, that we may approach you with open hearts and receive your love with wonder.

Forgive us for the times we have rebuked or excluded others, and help us to learn from the curiosity and wonder of children. May we become like them, receptive to your Kingdom and trusting in your goodness.

We pray for the children in our lives, that they may know your love and care. We pray for the vulnerable and marginalized, that they may be welcomed and included. And we pray for ourselves, that we may become like children, humble and trusting in your presence.

May your Kingdom come, and may we be a part of it, welcoming and inclusive of all.

We ask this in Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Additional prayer requests:

- For the vulnerable and marginalized, that they may be welcomed and included

- For children, that they may know God's love and care

- For humility and trust, that we may approach God with open hearts

- For the ability to learn from children's curiosity and wonder

- For the Kingdom of heaven to come, and for us to be a part of it

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ