Are you put out when you cannot have your own way, or if leave is refused you to do something you wish? If so, you are self-willed and disobedient.
Never laugh about the sins of others. Remember the offence against God, and pray for the conversion of those who have sinned.
Be compassionate towards the poor, and practise self-denial in order to be able to give them alms. Be kind to those of your companions who are sick or in trouble, and try to comfort and cheer them.
Examine your conscience on the subject of honesty and straightforwardness. Do you never take anything — such as fruit, sweets &c. — that does not belong to you? When you have committed a fault, do you never tell falsehoods in order to excuse yourself and escape punishment?
Chapter XXXIX.
JESUS AND THE LITTLE CHILDREN.
I. He blesses them and bids them come to him.
[Mat. 19, 13 — 15. Mark 10, 13 — 16. Luke 18, 15 — 17.]
ON one occasion some pious mothers brought their children to Jesus, that He might impose hands [1] upon them to bless them. But His disciples, thinking that He would not trouble Himself with infants, began to rebuke the mothers [2], and to send them away[3]. However this conduct of His disciples was not pleasing[4] to our Divine Lord, and He said to them: “Suffer little children to come to me, and forbid them not, for of such [5] is the kingdom of heaven." Then, embracing[6] the children, He placed His Hand on their heads and blessed them.
- ↑ Impose hands. From the time of the patriarchs, the laying on of hands had signified the imparting of a higher grace or power.
- ↑ The mothers. Some of them were carrying their infants in their arms, while others led them by the hand.
- ↑ Away. Probably they thought Jesus was tired with preaching and working cures, and so wished to shield Him from further importunities.
- ↑ Plot pleasing. Because they knew Him and His Divine Heart so little. They ought to have known that Jesus was never tired of doing good, and that showing an interest in innocent children was refreshment to Him rather than labour.
- ↑ Of such. Of those who are childlike in disposition.
- ↑ Embracing. In order to testify His love for them.
