Homily: August 17, 2024, Saturday of the Nineteenth week in Ordinary Time (let the children come to me)

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 “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them.”

Quite recently, a family showed up at the office and asked if I could give them some basic orientation so that they can get their child baptized. They needed the orientation certificate on that day itself to submit to another parish conducting the baptism. The godparents came with them. 

So, I asked them some questions to understand their situation. The couple are not married, they have no plans in the near future to marry in Church, do not attend Sunday Mass, and one of the godparents was not in good standing with the Catholic Church.

I hesitated for a moment and seriously wondered if they know what it means to baptize the child and how to bring him up in the Catholic faith? Should I provide the orientation and certify them as such?

I looked at the cute innocent little baby, who was gazing straight at me. I decided I should. I told them about the obligations they were going to undertake with the baptism, and the responsibilities of the godparents. They didn’t seem interested. I tried to impress upon the couple the importance of marrying in Church, they didn’t look convinced.

I gave them the certificate, noting that they have received the orientation, and been advised to get married in the Catholic Church. Did I do the right thing?

Later that day, I was reminded of the words of Jesus: "Let the children come to me."

I understood that if Jesus wants to save that baby through the waters of baptism, I should not be an obstacle. I felt relieved and affirmed for what I did. Today’s Gospel reading reminded me of that incident.

One other phrase from today’s first reading touched me deeply: “Turn and be converted from all your crimes.”

One of the most common "crimes" in today’s world is being judgmental. We judge others based on our own measurements, our line of thought, our style of life, and our own values. This crime can very often lead to killing a life and a soul.

That family who came to me for orientation might look disinterested and unworthy if I were to judge them from my self-righteous point of view. But honestly, I do not know their real situation, I have no sense of their possible struggles. Most importantly, I do not know what God has planned for them through this child. They brought the child to Jesus, let me not prevent them. Let no one prevent them.

God wants all His children to be brought to Him. Let you and I not be their obstacles.

Today’s first reading ends with this assurance from God: “For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies, says the Lord God. Return and live!”

Our God wants everyone to live fully, to live with Him for all eternity. Let us build bridges that lead to God, not burn them.

Amen.


Comments

  1. Anonymous17 August 2024 at 20:49

    Thank you so much for speaking the love of Jesus on this topic. This brings me peace.

    ReplyDelete

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