The people brought children to Jesus, hoping that he might bless them. The disciples shooed them off. But Jesus was irate and let them know it: “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very centre of life in the kingdom. Mark this: Unless you accept God’s kingdom in the simplicity of a child, you’ll never get in.” Then, gathering the children up in his arms, he laid his hands of blessing on them. (Mark 10: 13 – 16) 

I smile to hear Jesus insist on hanging out with little kids. My favourite part of parish ministry has always been working with young children.

I recall Sunday mornings, years ago, leading prayer assemblies to begin our classes for the 4-and 5-year-olds. Dozens of little ones held hands in one large circle, each barely able to wait their turn, eager to share a “God moment” from their week or to speak a solemn (at times, painfully honest) prayer request.

It’s not coincidental, perhaps, that this story comes with Jesus’ teaching about divorce. For, in my experience, children are like sunflowers in any space where the unconditional love of God is wholeheartedly conveyed – always pointed in the direction of the sun (Son), eager to bask in the light of the gospel message. If their home is happy, already a hothouse for unconditional love, little ones absorb the message with utter and confirming confidence. If their home lacks such love, they arrive like a parched plant, grateful and giddy to soak up the life-giving water of what God has promised.

In short, children are equipped to believe. And simply believing has the power to buttress trust, build confidence, sustain hope, embolden truth.

Believe invites us to “something greater” that’s also within our grasp. Just ask any Ted Lasso fan. Better yet, consider the saints we remember at this time of the year: Thérèse of Lisieux and Francis of Assisi, who transformed the church with their “childlike” faith.