Memorial of Saint Tarsicius, martyr
We commemorate a Eucharistic saint today – Saint Tarsicius, a 3rd-century martyr known for protecting the Eucharist when he was attacked.
Today’s Gospel is both simple and powerful. On Sunday, we gather as children of God, drawn together by faith and the desire to deepen our relationship with Him. The Mass is not merely a weekly obligation—it is a celebration, a moment of communion with the divine, a strengthening of our relationship with God.
In the Gospels, we recognize moments when the disciples, perhaps to protect Jesus or keep order, attempted to prevent children from approaching Him. But Jesus, seeing their misunderstanding, responds with gentle yet firm correction: “Let the little children come to me….”
Early adults and Christians, like the Apostles, were preoccupied with ideas of status, authority, and control. But Jesus needed to elevate the children, not because of their innocence, but because children are capable of trusting and being guided. Jesus needed the “adults” to trust him.
To enter the Kingdom of God, we must become like children—not childish or immature, but childlike. This means trusting God, letting go of pride and control. Don’t try to approach Jesus with the credentials and accomplishments of this world; come like children who have empty hands and curiosity.
From one of Saint Eymard’s letters, “Abide in the house of God’s Divine fatherly goodness, like a child who knows nothing, does nothing, damages everything, but dwells in this gentle kindness.”
Let Us Pray:
Dear Lord, help us to walk with You with childlike innocence. Remove the layers of pride that blind us to Your truth. Loosen our grip on control that keeps us from surrendering. Help us to trust only in your timing. Amen.
