They brought children to Jesus.

Today, we can reflect on a scene that is, unfortunately, authentic: “Little children were brought to Jesus so that he would lay his hands on them in prayer. But the disciples criticized those who brought them (Mt 19, 13).” Jesus immensely loves children, but we, with our typical and characteristic thinking of “adults,” do not allow them to approach Jesus and the Father: – When they grow up, if they want, they choose…! What a big mistake! The poor, those who are in need, and those who have nothing are the object of the Lord’s special affection. And children and infants are very “poor.”

They are poor in age, and they are inadequate in formation. They are defenseless. That is why the Church – our “Mother” – decided that parents should bring their children to baptism as soon as possible so that the Holy Spirit could settle in their souls and they could join the warmth of the community of believers. This is stated by the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Code of Canon Law, the highest-ranking legislators of the Church (which, like any other community, must have its legislation). But no! When they are adults! Such a procedure is nonsense. Otherwise, we can ask ourselves:

What will this child eat? What his mother gives him, without specifying what she would prefer. ▪  Or what language will this child speak? The same is true for his parents (in other words, the child will never be able to choose another language). ▪ Which school will this child attend? Wherever his parents decide to take him, without waiting for him to determine which study he will prefer… ▪ What did Jesus eat? What his mother Maria gave him. ▪ What language did Jesus speak? The language of his parents. ▪ What religion did the Infant Jesus learn and practice? The one his parents practiced, Judaism. ▪ Later, as an adult, thanks to the formation given to him by his parents, he founded a new religion… But first, his parents’ religion, naturally.

“…for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven”. What kind? As they are like children. Not in the sense of being immature, irresponsible, and egotistical, but in the sense of being open to new things, free, and trusting. If you have such an opportunity, adore the child today and ask how it is with you…