159. The Blessing of Children. Mt. 19:13–15; Mk. 10:13–16; Lk. 18:15–17

Then they brought to the Lord also infants and children, in order that he might touch them and pray for them. But the disciples, seeing this, rebuked them and did not permit those who brought them.

But when the Lord Jesus saw this, he was indignant and, calling them to him, said to them: “Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the Kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you: whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God as a child will not enter it.”

And he embraced them, blessed them, laying his hands on them; and when he had laid his hands on all of them, he departed from there.