Intrinsic to the very essence of each child is an invitation that comes from the universe. It is an invitation that was first planted in the fabric of everything that exists by the sower. That invitation is to become true and good.
This is a fact. And it is at the heart of any authentic education. It is not something the educator creates or has to try to instill. It is present, even if buried in the ruble of a fallen world.
For children, as for all men and women, the awakening of this invitation takes place in the womb of family. A fallen world does not always provide a generous and just womb. However, an authentic atrium should always do so. There should be a generous order and way of life, clear to all the children. There should be an order that always is open to moments of charity, understanding, and truth. It should be an order that stirs up hope for greater things. If these fruits are not apparent, then one knows that something is fundamentally wrong.
I want to make a simple point about any single child. This invitation in the soul is the reason why a child loves to exercise his motor-sensory being. It is the reason why he asks why. It is the reason why discovery awakens joy. It is the reason why truth calms. It is the reason why building a garden of flowers or vegetables stirs such a great drive to take care of and build up all the world and to help others.
In the heart of a child is created a thirst to become a home to all creatures, to become a light to all friends and enemies, to be become a temple of triune Love, to become a son or daughter of God the Father. That invitation is eternal and this is the reason why the warning is so grave about harming any of the little ones.