Blessing of the children

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.

REFLECTION LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME. The command of Jesus to let the children come to him is one of the tenderest in the Gospel and has inspired many artistic works, often used as cover illustrations for children’s books. Here children are seen not so much for their innocence and simplicity as for their lack of importance [as yet] in Jewish society. The disciples rebuke the parents (most probably mothers) for disturbing their Teacher with such an “inconsequential” matter.

Jesus, however, welcomes the children and blesses them by placing his hands on them. The imposition of hands signifies empowerment, as when leaders in the Christian community are appointed and empowered when the Apostles lay their hands on them. This is also the last action of Jesus before he ascends to heaven: “He led them [out] as far as Bethany, raised his hands, and blessed them. As he blessed them he parted from them and was taken up to heaven” (Lk 24:50-51).

Filipinos have the beautiful tradition of Mano Po! Do you continue this practice in your family?

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.