In the Gospels, Jesus mentions the “little ones” on several occasions. He says that anyone who compromises the faith of one of these shall be punished (Mt 18:6). He says that they need to be treated with respect (Mt 18:10). And he encourages:

“Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward”. (Mt 10:42).

Usually when we think of these “little ones,” we might be inclined to focus on our children, and their importance to us. In the early Church, however, the term may also apply to those adults who have converted and thus are new to the faith. These recent Christians needed the witness and guidance of those who were experienced in the faith to show them “the way.” We can see the wisdom of such a position.

At St. John’s, on this past Sunday, we had the Rite of Acceptance for our students who would participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program during this year. Eight of the students were seeking Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion; nine others sought Confirmation and First Communion. After many months of preparation, they will receive their sacraments at Easter time 2025.

In the celebration of Baptism for infants, the celebrant asks the new parents what they seek for their child, and they respond “Baptism.” During the Rite of Acceptance for adults, the ritual allows a broader question.  And so, on Sunday, we gathered the candidates in the Narthex of St. Thomas More Church as they were surrounded by their relatives, friends and peers. Then, Fr. Aidan Rooney asked each of them individually: “What brought you here today?” The responses to that question were uplifting and touching. Each student spoke briefly of his/her own story and what has led them to seek full participation in the sacraments. The group embodied the diverse population of St. John’s, and each response was particular and personal.

One thing became clear: these young men and women were now the “little ones” in our midst. They needed support and encouragement in their pursuit of the Catholic faith, and some of that energy must stem from the efforts of the community gathered around them on this day. They are our “little ones,” as silly as that might sound. The regular joyful and faithful gathering of our community, our listening to the Word of God, our reception of the Body and Blood of the Lord, and our being sent forth offers some of the direction that they would need. I recalled again the verse of Matthew which instructs the community to give “a cup of cold water” to these “little ones”—to show the kindness that makes them feel welcome and a part of the whole.

The Sunday celebration uplifted and challenged me. I recognize that the “little ones” at St. John’s include more than the students who began the RCIA. Many of the SJU students should and could look to the really mature members of the community (among whom I must list myself) to help them deepen and grow in their faith. All are truly the “little ones” for whom the experienced members of our Vincentian community bear responsibility.