Reflection on Today’s Readings, Saturday of 19th Week in Ordinary Time, Year I, August 19th, 2023
Texts: Joshua 24:14-29; Psalm 16:1-2,5,7-8,11; Matthew 19:13-15 

Jesus Christ shows, in today’s gospel reading, that Children have dignity before God. This is a reverse of a culture that relegates children to background, especially in public. Jesus wants us to accord children dignity everywhere. He says, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." The kingdom of heaven is for them because they are pleasing to God. Jesus Christ does not want us to prevent children from coming to Him. They are not to be excluded in things pertaining to God.  

We read, “And he laid his hands on them and went away.” They are not to be denied of things that enhance their spiritual growth. This gives credence to infant baptism. Baptism cleanses children of original sin and makes them pleasing to God. We are to allow our children to Encounter Jesus Christ. We should also share the word of God with our children. They are to come to Church to hear the word of God and to pray. Parents are to teach their children basic catechism like making the sign of the Cross, Hail Mary, our Father, etc.

 God is enough for us

Today’s first reading speaks of serving God alone. This is because God is different from the gods of other nations. He is the God of heaven and earth and everything in them belongs to Him. The gods of other nations have specialities, such as war, fertility, light, wisdom, rivers, etc. Such gods are limited and not Almighty. They are not enough for man. Such notion of gods allows for worship of many gods.  

The worship of other gods along the Almighty God is affront to him; it presupposes He is also limited like other gods. He is enough for us. Hence, Joshua says, “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt, and serve the Lord.” "Then put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel." Let us honour our God by giving Him befitting worship. We are to worship Him alone with our whole heart, soul and might. 

Prayer 

Almighty God, we thank You for who You are to us, may we always give You befitting homage worship; implant in our hearts Your love, faith to know and serve You and hope to incline our hearts to You alone. May we love and serve in our children and always accord them dignity. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke