From yesterday's gospel: "And people were bringing children to him that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.' Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them."
From Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium, 7: "In their own way, all these instances of joy flow from the infinite love of God, who has revealed himself to us in Jesus Christ."
From De La Salle (Med. 90.1): "Have you made [paying attention to God] your joy?"
Have you ever heard the sound at an elementary school's doors when it is time for recess? Students come bursting out, and the collective sound can only be described as an explosion of joy. It is that joy, from which flows childrens' characteristic innocence and trust, which we adults, preoccupied, busy, and serious, often completely forget. Yet to place joy on our back burner is to miss God, miss the face of Christ in the children entrusted to our care, who even as they reach young adulthood, seek joy in their lives, a joy which in all ways comes from God. Do our lessons and interactions with our students provide joy to them? Do we allow their glee and happiness to lighten our hearts? "The kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Live, Jesus, in our hearts!