Homily for Saturday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time

Parents who brought their children to Jesus are much like those who bring their children for baptism today. The contrast between the disciples’ harshness and Jesus’ response to this request is striking. While the disciples wanted to turn the children away, viewing them as a nuisance and distraction, Jesus welcomed them and encouraged His followers to do the same.

We must do all we can to nurture a relationship between children and Jesus. In addition to teaching children, we have much to learn from them. We need to learn to embrace the kingdom of God with the same openness that children do. Children are very receptive to positive things and gifts, including the gift of the kingdom of God and the Lord Himself. They are naturally open to these gifts, but as we grow older, we can easily lose that receptiveness and openness to the Lord. As adults, it’s important for us to continually recover that childlike spirit, so we can welcome the gift of the Lord with the same eagerness as children.