Gospel Thought for Today
15th August Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
(This year, the Solemnity of the Assumption will be celebrated on 16th August.)
Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15
Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
The Gospel of the Lord.
The Mass intention is for Peg C’s Intentions , Joseph Sapiano RIP, and Vladimir Cassar RIP.
Reflection:
Fr Shay Cullen, an Irish Columban missionary, once wrote: “[A] child is the most important in the Kingdom of God, not the adults…To accept and protect one is to accept him (Jesus)”. Fr Shay is currently based in the Philippines where he founded the People’s Recovery Empowerment Development Assistance (PREDA) Foundation in 1974. PREDA is a charitable organisation which promotes and protects the dignity and human rights of people, especially women and children.
Another charity that comes to mind while reflecting today’s Gospel is Faith in Families which most of us are familiar with and have been supporting through the years. Faith in Families provides “nurturing, innovative, high quality services for children and families” who wish to adopt. Both organisations are passionate in upholding children’s dignity. Both mirror Jesus’ fondness towards children. Both echo the Lord’s command: “Let the little children come to me”.
- Children during Jesus’ time were treated as nobodies. In some parts of the world, this is still happening. What can you do to address this?
- By saying that the kingdom of heaven belongs to them, Jesus gave hope to the children. How do you give hope to the children around you?
- As we prepare for the reopening of our churches, what ideas can you offer to get children more involved in the life of our parish?
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Help me to value and nurture the children around me that I may contribute to the coming of Your kingdom. Amen.
Fraternally,
Pietro
