A Heartfelt Plea from Our Children

Living Words from John Paul II

Each week we let Saint Pope John Paul II share meaningful signposts to spark socio-economic resolves through justice and righteousness combined with mercy and compassion; in short, love.

⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18:5 (New International Version)

The Vatican – 28 March 2004 | In my Lenten Message this year, I emphasized the importance of focusing on children.

               In some poor nations, children and teenagers often face heartbreaking violence: they are recruited into the “forgotten wars.”

               They face a double burden: enduring war and leadership amid hostility. With resources stripped, they see their future as a terrifying, unavoidable nightmare.

               Our youngest brothers and sisters, who are suffering from hunger, war, and disease, are earnestly reaching out to the adult world with a heartfelt plea. Let’s listen to their cry and show our compassion! Jesus reminds us: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me” (Mt 18:5).

During Lent, Christians are encouraged to embrace the words of the Gospel more openly and to act bravely in helping at-risk and abandoned children.

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Excerpted from:

JOHN PAUL II, ANGELUS, Fifth Sunday of Lent, 28 March 2004