THE WORD

Jas 5,13-20 / Mk 10,13-16

And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.

When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them.

IN OTHER WORDS

At present I am assigned in St. George Church and school in Ontario, Southern California – a very challenging mission. It is composed of multi-lingual groups: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Filipino. 

One of the challenges is the complaints about the conduct of children in church, mostly the Latinos. Many would recommend the same for them as the Disciples suggested in today’s Gospel.

We have a cry room, but to me that does not resolve the issue. Children like to be with their parents. To tell the parents not to bring their children to church services is tantamount to saying that they do not go to church themselves. They do not have babysitters.

When will the children learn to behave in church?

Personally I am not bothered by the presence of children at Mass, especially when the parents give a good example. I enjoy celebrating the school Mass on Thursdays and on the second Sundays of every month.

What motivates me? It is what Jesus said in today’s Gospel, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them…” For, “Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

We have much to learn from children.

• Fr. Jess Briones, SVD | U.S. A.

The Word in other words 2016

An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.

	Production : Fr. Carlos Maria de Guzman, Jr., SVD and Staff of Logos Publications
	Cover Design : Malou E. Domingo
	Liturgical Calendar : Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
	Production Consultant : Fr. Gerardo del Pinado, SVD
	Scriptural Texts : New American Bible and Daily Roman Missal
	Cover artwork based on photos by Fr. Bar Fabella, SVD
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