A CHILD BROUGHT TO SAFETY
Conditions in Haiti have deteriorated steadily since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. In the power vacuum, armed gangs moved in and now control much of the country, including 90% of the capital city, Port-au-Prince. This has left 6.4 million people—over half the population of Haiti, most of them children—in a deepening humanitarian crisis. In a less overrun portion of the island nation, UNICEF has set up a few Child-Friendly Spaces. These are compounds where hundreds of children are safe to play, learn, and gain financial and psychological support. A boy named Peter fled to one from Port-au-Prince, and he is finding his smile again as he plays soccer with other displaced kids. “I dream of representing Haiti,” he says. “My dream is to become a great player to help my family. When I score a goal, I can already see myself among the top players.”
A CHILD BROUGHT TO JESUS
When the disciples argue about their own greatness, Jesus sets a child in their midst. He tells them they had better welcome and look after little ones. Children can believe in Jesus too, and adults have a responsibility to look after this tiny faith. Harming children is a grave offense to God. Then in Judea, parents bring their children to Jesus to receive a blessing. When the disciples object, Jesus blesses and embraces the children, saying that receiving the kingdom of God “like a little child” is the only way to enter.
Questions
- How can we help ease the suffering in Haiti?
- What was it about a child that counteracted the disciples’ competition for greatness?
- What did Jesus mean that we must receive the kingdom like a child in order to enter it?