People were bringing children to Jesus : A great Responsibility

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Seventh Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mk 10:13-16*

*First Reading : Jas 5:13-20*

*People were bringing children to Jesus : A great Responsibility*

*1) Bringing Children to Jesus*

This is one of the important responsibility of all the parents and the elders 

This particular gesture of bringing children to Jesus has lots of implications on the lives of Children 

Its a beginning of the faith journey in the lives of Children. So one can't fail in this duty for what so ever reason 

*2) First responsibility of the Parents*

During the Nuptial rite, there is a question *Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?*

Further the Baptism rite has the following instruction *On your part, you must make it your constant care to bring him/her up in the practice of the faith. See that the divine life which God gives him/her is kept safe from the poison of sin, to grow always stronger in his/her heart*

The above words or instructions, during marriage and Baptism rite clearly explains the responsibility of the parents 

*3) Availability of the Children to the parents*

Children spend much of their time with the parents 

After 40 days the child is brought to the church for baptism. Afterwords child is brought to the church according to the convenience of the parents

The child officially begins the catechism in the Church after the admission to the 1st standard 

So the first five years the children are with the parents 

The foundation for the religious life which was laid by the parents during these first five years will help the child to grow in faith and moral life 

Here we come to know the gravity of the great responsibility of the parents

*4) Failure in the responsibility*

Today the trend is changing. Accordingly there are many changes in the family life and upbringing of the children

Some times parents are so busy that they have no time for children 

Some times parents fail to give sufficient guidance in religious matters since they are busy 

Lack of prayer at home and skipping the Sunday obligation also gives a wrong message to the children 

Some parents also don't allow the children to involve in the religious matters, since Sunday is only the Holiday 

Failure in these areas may cause serious problems in the faith life and moral life of the children

*5) Various ways of Bringing children to Jesus*

Family prayer 

Creating interest in reading the Bible 

Participating in the religious activities 

Active involvement in community activities

Spending time in service oriented activities 

Encouraging children to practice Gospel values 

*6) How do I carry out my responsibility*

As a parent how do I bring my child to Jesus? 

When others try to bring my child to Jesus, how do I react?

Am serious about bringing my children to Jesus for blessing? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*