SUFFER THE LITTLE CHILDREN....

THERE is a photo in a book about America of a grandmother holding her baby grandchild, and they are both in kkk hoods and robes. It came to mind when I read these verses and thought and prayer, and I wonder what has become of this child and grandmother, and if they ever found their way out of lives of hate....

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
- Mark 10:13-16

Jesus chose to be around small children a number of times in his ministry, often over the objections of his disciples. Sometimes he seems to have done this in order to hold children up as examples of the childlike qualitites that enable God's Realm. But maybe, sometimes, he just wanted to hold them.
- Susan Ross
 

Lord Jesus Christ, you welcomed the little children to come unto you and invited us to come like them. Help us see how we can welcome children as you have welcomed us into your body. Amen.
-From Common Prayer