Today’s Gospel reading is extremely brief; however, these three verses have a powerful message. 

Many children were brought to Jesus so that He might touch them and pray over them.  The disciples did not approve of this and they rebuked the parents who were bringing their children to Jesus.  Jesus was not pleased with the disciples.  He said to them in a stern voice, “Let the children come to me.  For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”   

Children have much to teach us.  Most adults believe that they know much more than children.  Yet young children typically see things as they are; they are not yet blinded by the messages of our grasping culture. Young children often will play with boxes, jump ropes and other simple games and they will have a wonderful time. 

Today let us notice the children we  encounter!  What do we see in the child that we would  wish to imitate?  Is it gratitude for the little things?  Or perhaps the child may bring us  deep joy simply by being who he or she is.  And … a child may entice our inner child to play, and to be joyful and thankful for the small gifts you receive today.