LET THE CHILDREN COME TO JESUS - 8/13/22 (Memorial of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus)

Matthew 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.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081322.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Memorial of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus! We are used to let the infants be baptized, and this is simply right because through the sacrament of baptism, the infants become a new creature, the stains of original sin are washed away, and they become incorporated to the mystical body of Christ, the Church. But, what happens after baptism? Do the children learn the Catholic faith and spirituality as they grow and mature in life? In the gospel reading, the children were brought to Jesus, but the disciples rebuked them. Perhaps, the disciples were so busy with their ministry that they forgot that part of their mission was the salvation of souls, including the children. 

We can also be distracted by other things we do. Some people become too focused on their jobs. Some may think that parenthood is about providing for the material and physical needs of the children. These are all important, but we should not neglect that the most important needs that we have, as children of God, are our spiritual needs. We are made by God for us to be united with Him. Our Lord Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the children. All of us, including the infants and the children, have the desire to enter heaven. As such, we all have the responsibility to bring everyone, including the little ones, to God and make Him loved by all. 

There are many ways in which we may even hinder the deepening of the relationship between God and the children. One is when the family members no longer guide the children to the teachings of the Catholic Church and to the importance of prayers. The children may also be introduced to a materialistic thinking where money and achievements seem to be the most important things in this world. This is why it's necessary for the adults to have a solid foundation in our prayer life and in the teachings of the Catholic Church, not just for our own relationship with God, but also to bring more children to Him. Both St. Pontian and St. Hippolytus helped in countering heresies and in spreading the Catholic faith because they knew its importance in our salvation. Below this reflection, there is a good article that provides a summary of the teachings of the Catholic Church. 

Also, we may be an obstacle to people when we harshly rebuke them, especially when we see their mistakes. It's good for us to know the difference between truth and lie and the difference between right and wrong. But, when we see the wrong deeds of people and say negative words at them, due to our weaknesses, they may choose to not follow Christ. God is inviting us to imitate His gentleness in bringing more people to His mercy. Many children do not see the importance of Christianity because of their bad experiences in their families. In the gospel, Jesus laid His hands on the children. We should be the "hands" of Christ in this world, not just by correcting the children or others in a respectful and loving manner, but also by praying for all of us so that we can receive blessings and graces from Him. 

One of the best ways to pray for one another, including for ourselves, is the rosary. Through the rosary, we are entrusting ourselves, our children and all sinners to the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother. We become like children whom she carries in her merciful arms to bring us to our Lord. Let's pray the rosary and teach this beautiful devotion to children. Our Heavenly Mother will help us with her maternal love because she truly desires for us to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Through her intercession, we can proclaim the glory of God in every day of our lives, as we come to Jesus, the fountain and source of Mercy and our salvation. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

For more information on the life of Saints Pontian and Hippolytus, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-13---saints-pontian-pope-and-hippolytus-priest-martyrs/

For the summary of the teachings of the Catholic Church, click here:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

For more information on the rosary, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/the-most-holy-rosary/

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/