Let the Children Come to Me

Then little children were being brought to Jesus in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Matthew 19:13-22

Loving Creator, you love us from the start

you teach us to be childlike and generous

always considering the needs of others

gathering relations and not possessions.

We live in a world where we are judged

not by our generosity but by what we have

we are easily swayed by advertising

and lead away from being loving servants.

You encountered little children and held them

calling them the reign of God on the earth

and you embraced a young, wealthy man

who was grieving for his many possessions.

Help us to let go of worldly judgements

and open our hearts as children always do

to the love that is right here in front of us

and share what we have for love of the world. Amen.