Become Like Children

"At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, 'Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?' And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:1-3

Every Thursday during the school year, the youngest students (grades K-2) come to morning Mass. This is always one of the highlights of my week!

They are always very clean, tidy and reverent when they enter wearing their school uniforms. After dipping their little fingers in the holy water and crossing themselves, they continue on to the pews. After genuflecting one after the other in rapid succession, they are seated...and quietly even!

When Mass begins (and throughout actually) they participate in prayers and singing (loud and proud!) Then they sit quietly and listen to the readings and homily. I'm convinced that Catholic children have much better attention spans and are able to sit still more than non-Catholic children. This isn't a scientific fact, just my own observation.

I look forward to the homily on Thursdays when Father Matthew says, "Class Class?" They very joyfully say in response, "Yes Yes!"

He then engages them in the homily. Asking them questions and speaking to them in terms they understand and can relate to. All eyes are on Father Matthew! I love to hear their answers to his inquiries. I love that they so willingly respond to him with their very honest, pure and innocent answers.

After the "Our Father", they all clearly love the "Sign of Peace" part of the Mass. They make certain everyone around them is acknowledged. I have to admit...that's one of my favorite parts as well!

When Mass is over and the Priest and Deacon are exiting down the aisle, the children give them "fist bumps" as they go.

I think these children are amazing role models to us all. I think we should take a cue from them and have that "bright shiny penny" attitude about attending Mass. We should come in clean and tidy (in mind, body and spirit), we should engage in all the parts of the Mass with joyful exuberance! It's a celebration! We should be actively involved with what's going on when it's called for (sing your heart out!) but also be quiet and reverent (TURN OFF THOSE PHONES!) and focused.

Sometimes children are the best teachers. We can't go back and be children, but we can certainly seek to have the wide eyed wonderment and fresh view of our faith like they do!