Gospel

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them. (MK 10:13-16)

Reflection

On reflecting on today’s gospel, I pondered on the word “children”. With a quick glance, the image of mothers bringing little children of preteen age pleading for Jesus to touch them came to mind. Then when Jesus said, “Let the children come to me”, I can’t help but feel that He meant children of God; sons and daughters of all ages. It was a personal invite to me and you as a child of God, to come to Him and He will embrace us.

So as disciples, have we been preventing “the children” from approaching Jesus?

Have we been discouraging those who are seeking to find God by our unkind words or cold shoulder or by making them feel unwelcome or spreading gossip about them?

Have we accepted the Kingdom of God like a child?

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, teach us

To be childlike towards you

Embrace us, bless us