It is the anniversary of my fathers passing on Monday. 8 years feels like a long time ago and sometimes it feels like yesterday.  So, at this time of year I think of him even more often. The scripture I chose to be read at his funeral was from Matthew.

Matthew 19:13-30 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)

Jesus Blesses Little Children

¹³ Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; ¹⁴ but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” ¹⁵ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.

I chose this because my dad loved his grandchildren beyond measure. And even when he was quite frail, he would draw them to his knee.  He took such joy in their joy and was always concerned if they were upset.  

This scripture often occurs to me when I am on duty as I watch the kids laugh and play.  Duty happens in the heat, the rain and the snow but kids often don’t seem to mind.  This week I noticed that hoops were a very popular choice.  One clever little person, Emily Thexton, even managed to make an igloo from one.  I just loved watching her balance the hoops carefully and then before I knew she had slipped inside! When I looked up again, lots of kids had grabbed hoops and were playing some other fabulous game with them.

Even though this term has been tough on many levels, the small glimpses of imagination and joy I get to see give me great hope for our future.

May the holidays bring you some rest and time together.  

Religious Education Coordinator