Let the little ones come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. In this present age, there is a lack of strength, clarity of thought, and maturity in judgement. It is not that one generation is preferred over another; if that were the case, growing up would be detrimental. Why aspire to adulthood if it diminishes my worthiness in the heavenly realm? Has God provided a path toward vice instead of the cultivation of virtue? Why did He choose apostles from a mature age rather than from among the young? Why does He proclaim that children inherit the Kingdom of Heaven? It may be because children are unaware of malice, lack the art of deception, do not retaliate, are not driven by greed or prestige, and are free from ambition. Yet, true virtue lies not in ignorance, but in holding these temptations in disdain; temperance cannot be respected unless it stands firm in strength. Therefore, the message is not about childishness, but rather about a graciousness reflecting the simplicity of a child. True virtue is found not in an inability to sin but in a steadfast refusal to do so, as one remains constant in will. A childlike disposition is imitated through our intentions, and our habits mirror our nature. The Lord Himself emphasized this when He said, "Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."
Who is this child that Christ's apostles should emulate? Is it merely an infant? Is that the essence of apostolic virtue? This child is none other than He of whom Isaiah wrote: "A Child is born to us — a Son is given to us." This Child declared, "Take up your cross and follow Me." And to reveal His innocence, He, although reviled, did not retaliate, and when struck, He did not fight back, for therein lies ultimate virtue. Thus, within childhood, there is a noble form of old age, and in old age, a purity akin to infancy. True honor in age does not rely on longevity or the mere passage of years; rather, wisdom is identified with gray hair, and a life lived without blame embodies true old age. Therefore, it is instructed, "Praise the young men, praise the name of the Lord," for only the blameless can offer true praise, as no one can call Jesus Lord except by the Holy Spirit.
This prophecy may well pertain to the people of the Church, who, being spiritually youthful, have surpassed the elder Jewish leaders. Thus it is said, "Behold I and the children whom You have given me." These are the children who joyfully welcomed the Lord as He rode on a donkey, proclaiming the redemption of the nations. These are the little ones who eagerly received Christ, savoring His teachings more eagerly than wine, for from the mouths of infants and nursing babies, God has perfected praise.
To some, it may seem unkind that the apostles prevented little children from approaching the Lord, unless one understands the deeper meaning behind their actions. The apostles were not motivated by an aversion to children but rather sought to honor the Lord through attentive service, ensuring He was not overwhelmed by the throngs, as noted elsewhere: "Teacher, the crowds are pressing in on You." Therefore, we must set aside our preferences when they risk offending the divine. Let us reject pride and embrace a childlike simplicity, for truth stands in opposition to arrogance, and authenticity thrives in humility. God resides not in a heart filled with vice; the prophets have taught this: “High is the throne of virtue,” resting with those whose wisdom soars toward truth. We must not disguise the deceit of a murderer under the guise of brotherhood but embody true brotherhood both in appearance and spirit.
According to a deeper interpretation, the apostles wished for the Jewish nation, their earthly lineage, to receive salvation first, while they also acknowledged the Syrophoenician woman. They understood the mystery of God’s calling for both peoples, though perhaps they were not yet privy to the order of His calling.
Consider the distinction in the words used by the Lord. Where He instructs the infants to come to Him, either for His blessing through teaching or the laying on of hands, He refers to them as children; but where He warns against tempting little ones, He refers to them as little ones. For he whom Christ touches is not tempted, and those who draw near to Him do not stumble. Yet those who falter are often those made small not by age but by a lack of virtue. Simultaneously, He teaches us not to tempt these innocent ones, for the prayers of those, though lacking in virtue, will be lifted by angels to the Lord. Let no one despise the less fortunate, for he offends the Creator; let no one lead the weak into temptation, lest he provoke the angels. Let no one cause the feeble to stumble, for this renders the mercy of the Redeemer ineffective.
...although it may be younger in age, it surpasses in righteousness. Purity comes after wickedness chronologically, and while it may be nearly equal in years, it is greater in terms of noble worth.
In the Gospel according to John, he himself attests that in wisdom and virtue, he was on par with his elders. He possessed the gravitas of age along with the insight that comes from a life well-lived, for a righteous existence yields the rewards of a fulfilling old age.
