Let the Little Children Come to Me
AM Psalm [120], 121, 122, 123 • PM Psalm 124, 125, 126, [127]
Nahum 1:1-13 • 1 Pet. 1:13-25 • Matt. 19:13-22
Every week I see our priests tenderly bless the little children who come for communion, I see them happily greet and give high-fives to children during the recessional, and I see children jostle for position by the aisle to receive these special greetings. I see that St. Paul’s is a welcoming and safe place for children to grow. And that makes me happy.
Jesus’ example of welcoming and laying hands on children also makes me happy. As a mental health professional, I can argue that the future of the earth depends on how well we (as a global community) treat our children. Children who are loved and nurtured well are likely to become self-directed, regulated, and compassionate adults—the kind of people we want to make decisions about the environment, foreign policy, education, etc. Children affected by war, abuse, poverty, poor nutrition, lack of nurturing—not so much. I often tell myself that people whose needs were met as children don’t grow up to be suicide bombers. The rate at which we subject children to violence, either willfully or as collateral damage, is astounding. I am passionate about this, and I could go on and on; however this is supposed to be a short reflection. So...
I give thanks for families, organizations, schools, government policies that recognize the needs and rights of children. I give thanks for the Holy Spirit who gives resilience so that many do survive violence with open and compassionate hearts. I give thanks for foster and adoptive parents, medical workers, relief workers, teachers, mental health workers who are guided by love—all of those who help mistreated children heal. Let the little children come to all of us.
Written by Cathy Campbell
Cathy is a semi-retired professional counselor and Healing Touch Practitioner. She makes a joyful sound in the choir and helps lead the Healing Touch Ministry. She advocates for marginalized groups, especially LGBTQ people.