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.
Anyone introduced to Jesus in recent years will have seen many paintings and drawings depicting this story. It is among our favorite images of Jesus. He is the wise, good shepherd who welcomes the little lambs. Just the other day I saw a “Little Lambs Day-Care” van on the highway, festooned with Christian symbols.
Of course the ancients didn’t regard children with our romantic notions of innocence. They were often the victims of savagery (see Psalm 137:9, and Matthew 2: 16-18). From time immemorial combatants treat the children of their enemies as enemies. Their innocence and helplessness weigh against the children, not for them. More recently, the United States and the Soviet Union have created land mines that look like toys. Colorful and attractive, rather than camouflaged, they are especially effective against children.
Jesus’ blessing the children in this gospel fits his practice of compassion for everyone who is less powerful: women, orphans, widows, the poor, the sick, disabled, Samaritans and other aliens. It's not their supposed innocence that makes them attractive to Jesus, but their vulnerability. He consistently prefers the company of the powerless.
Despite our own sentimental feelings for children, many Americans agree that unborn children with potential disabilities should be destroyed. They represent a serious threat to "our way of life." I have often worked with people with Down’s syndrome and other birth defects and have always found it a wonderful experience. Their families are usually extraordinarily happy; their parents intensely loyal. Our killing of such children is a crime against humanity.
Even the threat of destroying such children imposes a heavy burden on the “normal” children who are permitted to live. When troubles develop, as they always do, in their early years or teen years or early adulthood, their parents will remember with regret their decision not to abort. That should never have been a choice in the first place.
This gospel should inspire us to protect all children, born and unborn, regardless of their parents’ loyalties, criminal past or ethnic identity. They are the powerless whom God consistently prefers.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.