Daily Gospel Reflection for August 16, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

My pastor jokingly refers to Christmas Eve Mass as the “Monster Mass.” This is the Mass of the year attended by the most young children, and it can get noisy. Even on a regular Saturday or Sunday, our church is not silent, as little ones make their joyful noises unto the Lord. There are times where I see folks in the pews near mine shifting uncomfortably and turning around to glare at children who are talking or fidgeting. Sometimes my children are the ones being glared at. In these moments, I am thankful for the words of today’s Gospel.

When the disciples discouraged children from approaching Jesus, His response was not just a grudging acceptance that kids were present so He might as well interact with them. His admonition is not to prevent the children from coming to Him. Children, according to the words of our Lord Himself, are the ones to whom the kingdom of heaven belongs and He wants them in His presence. This is such a comfort to a mother who has been scolded by a stranger for taking her toddler into the church! Regardless of how flawed humans may sometimes react to disruptions, Jesus places no qualification on what kind of children are welcome. It’s not just the well-groomed, well-behaved, silent children, but all children.

Moms can have significant anxiety over taking children to Mass, but it is our Lord’s will for us. When our kids struggle to behave and we are the object of unwanted attention and disapproval from those around us, it is so important that we remember our reasons for bringing our children there. It is so they, like everyone else, can be with Jesus. It is so we, like the disciples, can help facilitate their encounters with Christ instead of preventing them.

Ponder:

Is there something preventing me from bringing my children to Mass?

Pray:

Dear Lord, be with me in moments when I question whether bringing children to Mass is the right choice. Help me to remember that You desire to be with my children and to welcome them into Your kingdom.

CM DGR daily sq