Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) – “ Jesus had a particular love for children because of “their simplicity, their joy of life, their spontaneity, and their faith filled with wonder”. For this reason he wishes the community to open its arms and its heart to them, even as he did: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5). Alongside children Jesus sets the “very least of the brethren:” the suffering, the needy, the hungry and thirsty, strangers, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. In welcoming them and loving them, or in treating them with indifference and contempt, we show our attitude towards him, for it is in them that he is particularly present.” This is a passage of the Message for Lent 2004 written by Pope John Paul II published today in view of Ash Wednesday 25 February which will mark the beginning of the Church’s Lenten preparation for Easter.
The theme chosen this year offers an opportunity to reflect on the conditions of children in our world today: “ Jesus’ words call upon us to see how children are treated in our families, in civil society, and in the Church” - the Pope writes – “They are also an incentive to rediscover the simplicity and trust which believers must cultivate in imitation of the Son of God, who shared the lot of the little ones and the poor…“To become” one of the least and “to receive” the little ones: these are two aspects of a single teaching which the Lord repeats to his disciples in our time. Only the one who makes himself one of the “least” is able to receive with love the “least” of our brothers and sisters.
The Pope mentions those who strive to follow faithfully the teaching of the Lord, particularly “those parents who willingly take on the responsibility of a large family, mothers and fathers who, rather than considering success in their profession and career as the highest value, make every effort to pass on to their children those human and religious values that give true meaning to life.”; and “those committed to caring for underprivileged children and those who alleviate the sufferings of children and their families resulting from war and violence, inadequate food and water, forced immigration and the many forms of injustice present in the world.” But he does not fail to mention the selfishness of many who inflict suffering on children with sexual abuse, forced prostitution, involvement in the sale and use of drugs; we cannot forget those “children forced to work or enlisted for combat; young children scarred forever by the break-up of the family; little ones caught up in the obscene trafficking of organs and persons. What too of the tragedy of AIDS and its devastating consequences in Africa? It is said that millions of persons are now afflicted by this scourge, many of whom were infected from birth. Humanity cannot close its eyes in the face of so appalling a tragedy!”
Lastly the Pope says he hopes the season of Lent this year 2004, may be a time of ever greater concern for the needs of children, in families and in society as a whole: for they are the future of humanity. “With childlike simplicity let us turn to God and call him, as Jesus taught us in the prayer of the “Our Father”, “Abba,” “Father.” Our Father! Let us repeat this prayer often during Lent; let us repeat it with deep emotion.”... By calling God “Our Father,” we will better realise that we are his children and feel that we are brothers and sisters of one another. Thus it will be an easier for us to open our hearts to the little ones, following the invitation of Jesus: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5).
(S.L.) (Fides Service 29/1/2004; lines 46 – words 676)
