Child watch

A HEIGHTENED awareness and sensitivity on the plight of children particularly those who suffer violence or mistreatment or even simple neglect have emerged in societies around the world. In the Philippine media, the "Bantay Bata" (child watch) campaign gained wide exposure to the public. The legal system provides for the apprehension, prosecution and punishment of those who perpetrate the criminal acts on child abuse. These concerns on the children reveals our regard for them as human beings, who, though young and weak, have equal rights and dignity with those who are mature and strong. But, Jesus provides a much greater value and motive for our care and acceptance of children, and for not abusing them; He proclaims that what we do to them are acts done to Him and to the Father.

For those who believe in Jesus, they would have then a much stronger deterrent factor for not offending the minors and the weak than those who are human rights advocate. The believer would do more than just avoiding doing any harm to children; they would do positive acts for them. The working parents and those who labor in order to feed, clothe and send their children to school, are doing what Jesus counseled His followers. Many work hard and suffer all kinds of pain that comes from work just for the sake of their family and children. Some workers have claimed that the image of their happy children have kept them going on in working even in places where they are separated from their loved ones. I have seen how many OFWs, overseas Filipino workers, who hand-carried the toys and gadgets for their children as they travel back home. These workers could experience greater joy and receive higher blessings when they realize that they are sacrificing and giving their life for Jesus and the Father.

Work and working then are clear and concrete ways we show our faith and love for God, who became a child for all of us, including the children.

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37

"Whoever receives one child such as this in My name, receives Me and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but the One who sent Me."