From today’s Scripture: “Children were brought to Jesus that he might lay his hands on them and pray.” —Mt 19:13

Oftentimes we read this passage and we think of the children or the disciples who tried to keep them away so Jesus could attend to other matters. Little do we consider the parents who “brought” their children. As a parent myself I don’t know of anything that I pray for more and, at the same time, feel the least amount of control over. Perhaps this is why I go to Christ in prayer so often for them. Not only this, it is my love for them that stirs this prayer in my heart. Yet, the story tells of another character, that is Christ, who welcomes the children and, in a way, identifies them as heirs of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Here we see that Christ loves these children and desires to bless them. Jesus wants good for them, these little ones. Sometimes I pray for my children out of worry, other times out of love—or maybe it’s always a mix of both. In bringing my children to Christ in prayer I find that God desires to bless them and loves them more than even I am capable of. Here I see that I should continually bring these little ones to Jesus, for he loves them more than I can know.

Let us pray: Lord, we pray you be with and bless these little ones. Especially for those who lack families or anyone to pray for them or love them. May we trust that your love is always greater for them and for us.

Today’s author is Nathan Smith, the director of ecumenism for Glenmary and consultant for the U.S. Catholic bishops.

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