Take your kids to Jesus!

“Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray.  The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven”. And he laid his hands on them and went away”. (Matthew 19:13-15).

You know something?  I’ve never understand the idea of “I’ll let me child decide for themselves”, when it comes to religion.

Before we get started, be sure to check out my latest on Locas; Save us from Politicians, be sure to read my previous article; A charitable complaint about the USCCB

Why?  We teach our children how to behave, no?  Coincidentally, Jim Pampandrea mentions the problem with waiting to have your kids’ baptized; The Journey 92

I actually remember my grandpa telling me before he died (he was dying, but didn’t know that he was dying), that he wished he had raised his kids in church.

My grandfather, who has an illegitimate daughter that he knew about, but my mom didn’t. 
I don’t think Grandpa was hiding it from us, I just don’t think he ever found the right time to tell us.

But Grandpa, of all people.  I should note, that a lot of Grandpas family is Jewish (I think his ancestors were primarily Presbyterian with some Lutherans and Baptists, for those of you outside of the Untied States, this is very common here, his mom converted to Catholicism as an adult).

But Grandpa, whom I don’t think I ever even saw step inside of a church said that.  Not that Grandpa hadn’t gone to church (he went to Catholic school on the south side of Chicago).

I do remember, though, before Grandpa died, when he was in hospice, he had some tracts (I don’t think any of them were from Catholics, sadly), about preparing for death and the afterlife.  I have very good reason to think Grandpa made good with God before he died.

But, God willing, if I ever have children, they will be baptized as babies, and quite possibly receive all sacraments of initiation as babies.   This is the common practice in the Eastern Church.

Or, at least it’s supposed to be.  And one day, I may very well become an Eastern Catholic.  I just don’t feel God has called me there.

Adam Charles Hovey is the founder of the Catholicism, news, and whatever community on Locals and is the host of the weekly Bible study, Coffee and Christianity

Yet.

All of that said, let the children come to Jesus.  In fact, bring your kids to him!

*All verses from the English Standard Version, Catholic Edition. 

ESV Catholic Edition with Deuterocanonical Books, Copyright 2017 by Crossway