Sunday, June 12, 2005
MATTHEW 19:13-15
One commentator mentions that Jesus is unique among ancient teachers in ascribing so much importance to children. In our day, of course, we like to think of ourselves as particularly enlightened in our concern for and care of children.
A few years ago, the disappearance of a child received nation-wide attention in the American press and in international media, such as CNN and BBC. Our own email publication, Daily Prayer, printed requests for prayers for the child, that she be found and safely rescued. When the child was found a couple of days later, newspaper and TV coverage was widespread. Pictures of her recovery showed her family and friends, as well as the police involved in the case and even complete strangers, experiencing a universal feeling of relief and joy.
Surely Jesus' attitude toward children had a very powerful, formative impact over the centuries on the caring attitude that manifests itself in modern western culture.
I would think therefore that the Christian Church in every nation ought to look at the care and concern its government and its citizens show for the welfare of the nation's children.
In the Philippines street children by the thousands wander about our cities, deprived of the warmth and love that only a family can provide. Even children who live in a family with one parent or with both, too often eat but one scanty meal a day, and suffer stomach diseases, simply because most of the day their stomachs are empty.
"Let the children come to me," Jesus said. Mother Theresa had suggested that if those who have, would only share what they have with the poor, there would be no poor.
Each of us has to allow himself or herself to be confronted by Jesus and Mother Theresa, and by their words. In the large picture very little would be accomplished by a middle class family that shares what it can with a poor child or a poor family, but if only one child or one family is benefited, this would be a giant step forward toward true Christian and Christ-like living.
A few years ago, the disappearance of a child received nation-wide attention in the American press and in international media, such as CNN and BBC. Our own email publication, Daily Prayer, printed requests for prayers for the child, that she be found and safely rescued. When the child was found a couple of days later, newspaper and TV coverage was widespread. Pictures of her recovery showed her family and friends, as well as the police involved in the case and even complete strangers, experiencing a universal feeling of relief and joy.
Surely Jesus' attitude toward children had a very powerful, formative impact over the centuries on the caring attitude that manifests itself in modern western culture.
I would think therefore that the Christian Church in every nation ought to look at the care and concern its government and its citizens show for the welfare of the nation's children.
In the Philippines street children by the thousands wander about our cities, deprived of the warmth and love that only a family can provide. Even children who live in a family with one parent or with both, too often eat but one scanty meal a day, and suffer stomach diseases, simply because most of the day their stomachs are empty.
"Let the children come to me," Jesus said. Mother Theresa had suggested that if those who have, would only share what they have with the poor, there would be no poor.
Each of us has to allow himself or herself to be confronted by Jesus and Mother Theresa, and by their words. In the large picture very little would be accomplished by a middle class family that shares what it can with a poor child or a poor family, but if only one child or one family is benefited, this would be a giant step forward toward true Christian and Christ-like living.
# posted by F O O D F O R T H O U G H T @ 5:02 PM 
