Blessing of the Children.

(Mat. 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16 and Luke 18:15-17).

Of the three Evangelists that inform of this event, Saint Mark’s narration is the most detailed, which states that the Lord was “greatly displeased” with His disciples for not allowing the children to approach Him. This showed the Lord’s love of children was that great that even with His enormous humility and patience to tolerate people’s deceit, He became displeased with His disciples. The Lord clarifies His love of children by pointing to their worthiness. For all who wish to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, this worthiness is placed as an example to emulate, saying “whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child, will by no means enter it,” i.e. the Kingdom of God must be accepted in the heart with the same unspoiled, innocent and pure disposition of the spirit, which are present in the young, yet morally innocent children. “Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for such is the Kingdom of God” — the conclusion here is that those parents and educators that do not bring children to Christ, don’t teach them the Christian faith, are committing an enormous sin. And an even greater sin will burden among those that intentionally turn away children from the path of faith.