The Care of Children

 

Gospel: Matthew 18: 1-5, 10

 

Jesus tells us not to harm children.  This seems obvious and yet we find children harmed all the time through abuse both physical and sexual; we see them neglected, traumatized psychologically and spiritually.  That such has been allowed to happen to children even in the church by clergy and covered up with impunity is a travesty beyond all imagining.  The financial bankruptcy of the church is but an outward manifestation of its moral bankruptcy in the care of children entrusted to them. 

 

Jesus bids us to be like children in our relationship with God.  Children are simple, innocent, open to life, and loving to all people.  Children do not hate by nature; they are taught to do so by adults.  Children are not mistrustful or deceitful or malicious by nature; they are taught by adults to be so.  Woe to us who have harmed their good natures.  It is children who will inherit God’s kingdom and those who have their disposition in their relationship with God. 

 

If we cannot follow the exhortation of Jesus on something that should be this basic in the care of children, then how can we be expected to be trustworthy in anything else? If we cannot do right by children, our alleged obedience on fasting, liturgical attendance and practice, or anything else is of no value.  Today a child is placed before us, and Jesus bids us to care for them, to be like them.  Can we please?