The Important mission of Bringing Children to Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Nineteenth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:13-15*

*First Reading : Ez 18:1-10, 13b, 30-32*

*Responsorial Psalm : PS . 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19*

*The Important mission of Bringing Children to Jesus*

*1) One of the important duties of Marriage*

During the Nuptial rite, the mission about bringing Children to Jesus is highlighted 

The sacrament of Matrimony highlights, that bringing children to Jesus is one of the important duties of the parents 

This also shows how important this mission in our life 

*2) Jesus on Bringing children to Him*

The Gospel speaks about people bringing children to Jesus 

The reaction of Jesus is very important. 

First of all he rebuked His disciples for not allowing the people to bring their children to Him 

Secondly he openly tells that the children should be allowed to come to Him 

Thirdly Jesus plays his hand over them and prays for them 

This shows the importance of children bringing them to Jesus 

*3) As Teachers and Elders*

Apart from the parents the elders and teachers have a grave responsibility to bring the children to Jesus 

Because most of the times children will be with the teachers and with immediate elders, apart from the parents 

Unless we take the responsibility, this mission becomes impossible 

*4) Various ways of bringing children to Jesus*

At the earliest stage, teaching them about Jesus in our houses 

Showing the images of Jesus and telling them its importance 

Bringing small children to the altar at home, after the payers and making them to kiss the statue of Jesus, Mary and other Saints 

Teaching them the catechism 

Encouraging them to read the Bible 

Telling them to lead the prayer and Rosary at home 

Sending the children to Sunday catechism

Taking efforts to communicate the message of Jesus in a creative and attractive ways 

*5) Failure to bring children to Jesus*

This is a serious issue that needs more attention 

At times responsibile people forger their duty of bringing children to Jesus 

At times like the disciples they become the obstacles in bringing children to Jesus 

Failure in bringing children to Jesus leads to serious crisis in life 

When the children grow they get into all sorts of crisis and get into all sorts of evil habits 

Gradually it may end up in a big tragedy in life 

That's why the mission of bringing the children to Jesus is very much important

*6) My Responsibility*

In bringing children to Jesus what is my responsibility? 

As a parent, as a teacher, as a religious or as an elder what is my role in bringing the children to Jesus? 

Have I become any time a obstacle to any one, in bringing others to Jesus? 

Is my life worthy of bringing others to Jesus? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*