Last Sunday was Children’s Sunday and we celebrated HOPE. 

We need a boatload of hope right now. There’s the great story in the Hebrew scriptures about Abraham and Sarah being promised a child even though they are well past the years of having children.  But that promise fills them with hope (…and laughter).

Abraham has the hope of a great and mighty nation. Sarah has the hope of a son.    

Isn’t that what children are—hope?  Abraham and Sarah have to nurture this hope.  They are parents of hope.  We are parents of hope, that’s why it says in Proverbs that “we should start children off on the way they should go.”  We are filled with hope that children will not turn from the path as they age.   

We know the song “Jesus loves the little children.” Well, Jesus loves all the children of the world.  That’s why he didn’t want anyone—not even the disciples to stop, hinder or stifle them.  Jesus was clear—if you welcome the child, you welcome Jesus.  You honor God by letting the children learn and teach YOU about the kingdom of God.

That is our hope in the church.  In our church, children are very much present- they are our hope for today and tomorrow.    

St. Francis said, “Go and preach the gospel, and if you must, use words.” 

I say, “Go and love your kids, and if you must, use words.”  You shouldn’t have to persuade your kids that you love them.  Show them.  Children today need hope. 

Our church can be a source of hope, and you can be an example of hope for all young people.  Children are the present and the future—and they are our great hope. 

May we live the gospel message.  May we nurture our children’s faith.  May we offer and encourage their hope.  Amen