Let the children approach Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to those like them. However, this current age is frail in strength, limited in understanding, and lacking maturity in discernment. It's not that one generation is preferred over another; otherwise, growing up would bring harm. Why would I desire to reach maturity if it makes me less deserving of the heavenly kingdom? Has God provided a path towards vices instead of fostering virtue? Moreover, why did He select the apostles to be of mature age rather than as children? Why does He declare that children will inherit the kingdom of heaven? Perhaps it's because they are unaware of evil, do not know how to deceive, do not retaliate, do not crave wealth or status, and lack ambition. Yet virtue is not rooted in ignorance of these things; rather, it lies in disdain for them, and there is no commendation for self-control where righteousness is maintained through weakness. What is intended, therefore, is not childlike foolishness, but a benevolence that reflects a child’s innocence. Virtue does not stem from an inability to sin, but from a refusal to sin, maintaining steadfastness in one’s will. The will mirrors a childlike disposition, and habit reflects one's nature. The Savior expressed this when He stated: Unless you turn and become like this child, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Who, then, is this child that the apostles of Christ should emulate? Is it a mere infant? Is this truly the virtue expected of the apostles? Who is this child, if not the One referred to by Isaiah: A Child is born to us - a Son is given to us? It is this Child who invited you to ‘Take up your cross and follow Me.’ To recognize Him as a child, despite being slandered, He refrained from speaking ill in return; when struck, He did not retaliate - for therein lies perfect virtue. In childhood, there exists the nobility of aged character, and in old age, a virtuous innocence. True honorable old age is not defined by mere longevity, nor is it quantified by the passing of years: wisdom is the grey hair of mankind, and a blameless life constitutes true old age. Therefore, it is written: Praise the Lord, you young men, for only those who are perfect render praise unto Him; for no one can declare Jesus as Lord except through the Holy Spirit.
This prophecy appears to pertain to the Church's members, who, possessing youthful faith, outstrip the older Jewish individuals. Thus, it is expressed: Behold I and the children whom You have given Me. These children, through prophetic words, accompanied the Lord as He rode on a donkey, proclaiming the arrival of redemption for the nations. These are the children who eagerly draw from the breast of Christ, more thirstily than they drink wine, for it is out of the mouths of infants that praise has been perfected.
To some, it may appear stern and unmerciful that the apostles prohibited young children from approaching the Lord, unless one grasp the deeper significance. The apostles were not acting out of harsh dislike for children, but were demonstrating reverence for the Lord by ensuring His space was not overwhelmed, as noted in scripture: Teacher, the crowds are pressing in on You. Thus, it's essential to set aside personal considerations if they cause offense to the Divine. Let us reject arrogance and embrace childlike simplicity, for truth stands opposed to pride, while simplicity nurtures truth by elevating itself through humility. God does not reside in a corrupt heart; the prophets have informed us: High is the throne of virtue - in him whose wisdom ascends to the pinnacle of truth. One must not, like Cain, disguise murderous intent beneath the guise of brotherhood but must embody brotherhood both outwardly and inwardly. This is articulated concerning the internal understanding. However, in the light of the mystery, the apostles preferred the Jewish nation, their fleshly kin, to receive salvation first, yet they also reached out to the woman of Canaan. They were aware of the secret of calling both nations, yet perhaps they were not yet certain of the order of this calling.
Now observe the distinction in the language. Where the Lord invites infants to come to Him, He uses the term children, signifying either blessing through preaching or the laying on of hands, but when He cautions against temptation, He refers to them as little ones. For he whom Christ touches is not led into temptation, and those who approach Christ do not stumble; instead, those who falter are rendered small not by age, but by insufficient virtue. Moreover, He instructs us not to ensnare these little ones; otherwise, the transgressions of those whose prayers may seem minimal in virtue will be elevated with the aid of angels before the Lord. Let no one mock the impoverished, for that would offend their Creator! Let no one tempt the fragile, lest they anger the angels! Let no one push the weak toward a fall, so as to not render the Redeemer's grace ineffective!
Though youthful in age, it excels in righteousness. Innocence emerges after wickedness, and while nearly equal in terms of time, it holds precedence in the nobility of its worth.
In the Gospel according to John, it is noted that he himself affirms his wisdom and righteousness, indicating that he was equal, if not superior, to those older than him. He embodied the qualities of esteemed age combined with the insight that comes from a life lived with integrity, as a pure life yields the fruits of righteous maturity.
