Children’s Day Mass
Today’s 12.15pm (OK, I woke up late) Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour was a special children’s liturgy to celebrate (belatedly) Children’s Day. The pews had colourful balloons attached. The readings and music were specially chosen and the lectors were under five feet high, reading with squeeky voices. It was a different service from the ones I’m used to!
The irritating thing was that with so many kids, there was an incessant chatter throughout the service. But nonetheless, I tried not to let it bother me too much. It was a refreshing change to celebrate Mass with the younger community.
The sermons were simplified, and the Franciscan friar drew anecdotes from Finding Nemo (looks like all the kids have watched it before me), and emphasised how important it was to be God’s children. It was a worthy reminder - rarely have I reminded myself that I was a mere child in God’s eyes.
See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. [1 Jn 3:1]
Every child has a hopeful expectancy and desire to rush headlong into a future that they do not fully understand. There’s a passion to learn and to grow. That must be what is most beautiful about children - they are willing to listen and question and ask.
As one matures and is filled with experience, the desire to learn fades, almost imperceptibly, from year to year. Even now, I fear my ways are becoming ossified. So today, I will pray that God will bless me with a renewal of my faith and spirit to seek and learn and love all that he has blessed me with.