“Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
In these words, Jesus speaks not only of children but also of “such as these” to indicate the kind of openness necessary for the Kingdom of heaven. There is also a relation to time and a disregard for age in these words. By saying “such as these,” Jesus extends this invitation to people of any stage of life and to span countless generations.
God, thank you for the gift of your Son. I hear his words and have with me at all times the means to go to him as a child every day of my life, throughout each day, to relate my thoughts, feelings, and desires. Although I resist setting aside time throughout the day to pray, help me understand that there are times when it is my best possible recourse. Help me resolve to return to Jesus in prayer throughout the day, always as a way to be more fully in the moment rather than engaging in a flight from reality.
By saying that the Kingdom of heaven belongs to “such as these,” Jesus gives purpose to my day by going to him and letting nothing prevent me from that. Let me trust that the risen Christ sees me, hears me, and remains beside me when I come to him—now and always—out of my need to have him present.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.