So Very Jesus!

Last weekend Pope Francis was addressing a large crowd in St. Peter's Square for the Vatican's Family Day.  During the ceremony a young boy was able to elude security and get on stage to be with the Pope.  Security and some cardinals even tried to lure the boy off with candy, but he wasn't budging.  He remained by the Pope's side and the Pope didn't seem distracted at all.  In fact he embraced it.  At one point the boy is hugging the Pope's leg and the pontiff can be seen affectionately rubbing the boy's head.   At one point, the Pope gave the child his pontiff seat so he could finish his message.

As I watched the video from this event I couldn't help but think how ironic this was taking place on, of all days, Family Day.  If the Pope represents God to Roman Catholics what better place for a little boy to hang around?  How appropriate and how so very Jesus:

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.  (Mark 10:13-16 NIV)

It should make all of us ask:  Is our church a place where a child would feel this comfortable and welcomed?

(Photo by L'Osservatore Romano via AFP)