Friday, August 15, 2025

Reflection for August 16 Saturday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 19:13-15


Gospel: Matthew 19:13-15
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.
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Reflection:
Do you bring your children to church for Holy Mass? Do you take time to tell them about Jesus? Do you read to them the life of Jesus in the Bible? These are not just casual acts of parenting—they are sacred opportunities to lead the hearts of our children closer to the One who loves them most. 

Why is it so important to bring our children to Jesus? First and foremost, it assures them of a good future—not just in this fleeting world but in eternity. This is the promise of Jesus: to give our children a bright and godly future, measured not by the shallow standards of this world but by His own divine standard. 

Just imagine—if our children grow up close to Jesus, how different their lives will be. We would have fewer worries and heartaches because they would be guided daily by His hand. His presence in their hearts would serve as a compass, directing their steps toward what is pure, true, and holy. 

Yet, some parents today hesitate to bring their children closer to Christ. They fear that their sons or daughters might feel called to the priesthood or religious life. And their reason? “There’s no money in that.” True—there may be little financial gain in these vocations. But let us remember: we were not created to live for money alone. We were created to live the teachings of Jesus, to love as He loves, and to journey toward heaven. 

What would it profit our children to have all the wealth the world can give, yet lack the presence of Jesus in their lives? When we lead our children to Christ, we are not only investing in their eternal future—we are also securing our own place with Him in the life to come. – Marino J. Dasmarinas

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