“Let the children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such.”
– Matthew 19:14 –
A father comes home after a long day, carrying grocery bags. His young daughter runs to him with arms wide open—not asking what he brought, not worrying about his tiredness, but simply eager to be held. She doesn’t hesitate. She trusts. To her, his presence is enough.
Jesus said the kingdom belongs to those who come like this child—arms wide, hearts open, trusting the Father’s presence more than His provisions (Matt 19:14). The children came to Him with no bargaining, no resume of goodness, just an instinctive knowing: With You, I’m safe. This is the heartbeat of true faith. Yet we often approach God like shoppers—inspecting His “bags” for blessings before we embrace Him. We delay our running until we feel worthy, forgetting that the Kingdom is inherited, not earned. The Father’s arms are always open, but our hands are often too full of expectations to cling to Him. Today, let your soul do what comes naturally to children: run first. Hold tight to the Giver, not the gifts. In His presence, you’ll find that you’ve always been enough.
A Journey of Reflection and Action
Journaling: Write down ways you sometimes wait to “feel worthy” before approaching God. Contrast this with a child’s instinct to run freely to their parent.
Scripture Meditation: Meditate on Matthew 19:14. Imagine yourself as the child running into Jesus’ arms.
Sharing: Share a short testimony with a friend or online about how God’s presence has been “enough” for you, even without answers or blessings.
Group Discussion: In a small group, discuss what it looks like to cling to God rather than His gifts.
Join Us in Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us that Your Kingdom is a gift, not a prize to be earned. Teach us to trust like children—arms open, hearts surrendered, confident in Your love. Strip us of striving, and draw us closer to Your presence, where we are truly safe. Amen.
Next Step on Your Journey
- Visit www.dailyfaithechoes.org daily for devotionals.
- Share today’s message across social media to encourage others.
- Volunteer in spreading the Gospel by being a living witness of childlike faith in your community.
Scripture Footnote & Further Reading
Scripture Used: Matthew 19:14 (Catholic Daily Reading – 16 August 2025).
Further Reading (16 August 2025, Catholic Daily Readings):
First Reading: Joshua 24:14–29
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1–2a, 5, 7–8, 11
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:15–20
Alleluia: Matthew 11:25
Gospel: Matthew 19:13–15
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