: 19/08 Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
“The little children and Jesus”
Matthew (19: 13-15)
Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew
The little children and Jesus
13 Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.
14 Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ 15 When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there.
The Gospel of the Lordh
: REFLECTION
The sweetness and simplicity, the constant smile, the patience, joy, joviality and the spontaneity from the Teacher of Galilee attracted all the children. Everywhere Jesus went, crowds came to hear him and children came willingly so that He would lay His hands and pray for them. Moreover, Jesus delighted in it. Jesus always taught by example and words. If He said that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must be like children, then He Himself became a child, especially when He was among them.
children
He gave so much importance to children, to the point of saying that the Kingdom of God is theirs, and for those like them, the child is spontaneous and sees no malice in anything.
Unfortunately, adults prevent children from going to Jesus, when they are not taken to Mass, enrolled for catechesis and especially when we do not give them a good Christian example.
In today’s Gospel, the child is a symbol of being weak, without social pretensions: he is guileless and has no power or ambitions. In Jesus’ time, the child was not valued, had no social significance. The child is, therefore, the symbol of the marginalized poor, who is empty of himself, ready to receive the Kingdom of Jesus.
PRAYER
Father, May the simplicity and purity of heart of children be an example on which we must be inspired to be faithful to you and consequently deserve the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen
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The sweetness and simplicity, the constant smile, the patience, joy, joviality and the spontaneity from the Teacher of Galilee attracted all the children. Everywhere Jesus went, crowds came to hear him and children came willingly so that He would lay His hands and pray for them. Moreover, Jesus delighted in it. Jesus always taught by example and words. If He said that in order to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must be like children, then He Himself became a child, especially when He was among them.
He gave so much importance to children, to the point of saying that the Kingdom of God is theirs, and for those like them, the child is spontaneous and sees no malice in anything.
Unfortunately, adults prevent children from going to Jesus, when they are not taken to Mass, enrolled for catechesis and especially when we do not give them a good Christian example.
In today’s Gospel, the child is a symbol of being weak, without social pretensions: he is guileless and has no power or ambitions. In Jesus’ time, the child was not valued, had no social significance. The child is, therefore, the symbol of the marginalized poor, who is empty of himself, ready to receive the Kingdom of Jesus.
Picture interpretation
Could you answer some of the questions about the picture. Try to use your spiritual background and What do you see in the picture?
Can you describe the main elements or objects in the picture?
What colors do you notice in the picture?
Could you talk about the setting or background of the picture?
Are there any people in the picture? If so, what are they doing?
What emotions or feelings does the picture evoke in you?
Can you tell me about the lighting and shadows in the picture?
Do you notice any specific details or patterns in the picture?
Is there any action or movement depicted in the picture?
Could you describe the overall mood or atmosphere of the picture?
Are there any interesting or unique aspects about the picture that stand out to you?
Do you think there’s a story behind the picture? If so, what do you think it might be?
What do you think is the focal point or central point of interest in the picture?
Are there any symbols or elements in the picture that you find intriguing?
How does the picture make you feel?
[14:44, 19/08/2023] Mrs Sarah Cox: I see Jesus saying to the small child and to me!
‘With me you can do all things! You can fly like a bird or I can hold you in my arms.. you will see me in the birds and my creation! ‘
I see Jesus, in his gentleness. He is a wonder! He captures all – no one is excluded from his presence..
the smiles from the children so precious..
He may be presenting them the Holy Spirit, and that we must be like the children, humble and gentle enough to receive the dove of peace
answers