This is VLX number 119. Let the children come to me. We are in Matthew

chapter 19, just verses 13 and 14 and 15. VLX stands for video Lexu Devena,

the patristic Bible study and Ignatian prayer series online. God give you his peace.

And no many patrice, affidates, be di Santiamen. God, O Lord, we ask theiri, it's speedy, too, Santee. Amen.

God, O Lord, we ask the grace that all of our intentions,

actions, and operations be directed purely to the service and praise of your divine majesty.

In Mnipachi, Sifiri, it's Sviti to Santee.

Amen.

Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray.

The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said,

Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them,

for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.

And he laid his hands on them and went away.

Thus are the words of the Holy Gospel.

Well, I want to remind you today the reason we do Lexu-Devina or Ignatian mental prayer, it's found in Jesus' own prayer the night before he died at the beginning of John 17.

St. John wrote,

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed.

Father, the time has come, glorify your son, that your son may glorify you.

For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

Now this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you

have sent. Okay, notice that just like we heard in a recent RCT from a saint, faith here on earth is not just the hope of eternal life, but it's actually the beginning of eternal life.

Why? Because heaven is knowing the Trinity face to face, but we can begin that by knowing Christ already here on earth.

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