March 15, 2023 Become a child of God
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to
him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a
little child will never enter it.’ Gospel of Luke 18, 15 – 17
Family creates future
Dear readers,
What memories do you have of your childhood? Were they happy days? Or did you have to suffer a lot? Suffer from illnesses, suffer from other people? The disciples in this story seem to have no heart for children. They are quite upset that mothers want to go to Jesus with their children. They can't! The disciples wrap Jesus in a "holy protective atmosphere." There is no room for children there!
How does Jesus react? He calls the children to him and blesses them. He puts them under his special protection. He takes them into his loving presence. He takes them in his arms like a mother, like a father (Gospel of Mark 10:16).
The disciples at that time were indignant about the women who brought their children. We Christians are happy to have children in our communities. Children belong to us.
Today I am indignant about those adults who knowingly and willingly bring children into misfortune. I think of the many children traumatized by the Ukraine war. Children whose childhood was stolen from them from one day to the next. Children who need psychological help to become somewhat stable again. I get angry when I think of the many children who lost their father or mother in this terrible war.
I also get angry when I hear about sexual abuse. When even Christians take advantage of children. An indescribable shame! What a great sin!
This UNICEF stamp says "If people can fly all the way to the moon, why can't they do anything about the fact that so many children around the world have to die?”
Jesus has a heart for children. That is why he asks his disciples to take these smallest and weakest in society as role models for faith in God. What does this mean for me?
1.Children trust their parents. They do not know mistrust. So I also want to trust my Father in heaven. Jesus teaches us to pray: Our Father in heaven... - I may say "Father!" to the holy and almighty God. I may ask like a child. I may let myself be blessed by Him as the children were blessed by Jesus Christ at that time.
2.Children want to spend time with their mothers and fathers. They want to play with them. They want to share their everyday experiences with them. I want that too: to spend time with God. In prayer, in reading the Bible, in fellowship with other Christians. It is always a valuable time that we spend with God, never a wasted time!
3.Children want to learn. They are curious and have new questions every day. That's what I want too: to be curious about what God still has in store for my life. For example, if you read the life stories of Abraham, David or Paul, you will see how exciting life with God is. Like these role models of faith, I want to let God guide me through my life.
Jesus says (Gospel of Matthew 11:29): Learn from me! In this report of the blessing of the children, He again gives me a new perspective on my faith and on how to deal with the children who are entrusted to me. Jesus has a heart for children. Let us protect and keep them out of love for them, their families and out of love for God.
Thank you for listening to me. God bless you in spirit, soul and body. I cordially invite you to the next short sermon on April 1. Until then, be committed to the love of God.
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