With the return of our school children on three of our campus sites and the sounds of their chatter and excitement in the air all around, I could not help but think of these words of Jesus, “Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to these.” - Mattew 19:14

In this passage, however, the disciples wanted to push the children aside, thinking that Jesus must have more important things to do. But Jesus turns their thinking upside down. He tells them, and us, that the kingdom belongs to those with the openness, trust, and simplicity of children. My belief is that this is an important message for us all to consider as we see more children in and around the parish.

In 2025, that message is urgent as childhood today is often hurried, and kids today face pressure from technology, violence, and fear that can rob them of innocence too soon. Jesus’ words remind us that protecting, valuing, and learning from children is not optional – it is central to the Gospel.

It is also about us; Jesus calls us to recover a childlike spirit within ourselves – faith that trusts, hope that looks forward, and love that is freely given.

Here is a step that we can take this week; choose one moment to really listen to a child or young person – at home, in school, in our parish. Ask about their hopes, worries, or dreams, and let their voices teach you. We all know that children can often try our patience but let us remember, especially as we welcome families at Mass, in welcoming them, we welcome Christ Himself.

Speaking of school… learning… Tom McGrath, a veteran Catholic publisher and author of Raising Faith-Filled Kids, I recently read something he wrote on life lessons. A guy in his men’s group meets any new challenge in his life by asking, “where is the lesson to be learned here?” He will say this when things go poorly at work, when he struggles with members of his family, or even when something tragic happens. There are times he has said, “I just don’t want any more life lessons,” but they continue to come. The question is, what will we make of them? For example, if someone slanders you, the lesson may be that it is more important to be convinced on the inside that you are worthy than rely on the opinions of others.

So, when life’s trials, difficulties, and disappointments come your way, ask yourself, “Where’s the lesson?”

Have a blessed week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena-St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish