We’ve been members of our current parish for over a year now. One of the biggest differences that I’ve noticed is just how warm and welcoming the people are. There are a few young families that go to our regular Mass, and the children are all loved and appreciated. This stands in stark contrast to the atmosphere I sensed before.

I’ve adopted my parents’ philosophy that if children are sitting right up in the front at Mass, they’ll be able to see what’s going on and be less distracted. We don’t bring food with us to Mass anymore, and the only “toys” that we bring are books and perhaps a soft friend.

Even still, I sweat. I sweat when they make noises, when they talk, and when they pace back and forth on the kneelers. This is age appropriate and understandable, but I still feel uncomfortable. At today’s liturgy, I spent the majority of it in the back atrium with my two year old daughter.

Yet, even in these stressful weekend liturgies, Jesus still wants me to know how much He desires children, and how I should imitate them.

> Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.

I guess I’ll hang in there and keep bringing them.

First Reading: Wisdom 2:12, 17-20

Second Reading: James 3:16 - 4:3

Gospel: Mark 9:30-37