Gospel according to Mark (MK 9:30-37)
Jesus and his disciples left from there and began a journey through Galilee, but he did not wish anyone to know about it. He was teaching his disciples and telling them, “The Son of Man is to be handed over to men and they will kill him, and three days after his death the Son of Man will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and they were afraid to question him. They came to Capernaum and, once inside the house, he began to ask them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” But they remained silent. They had been discussing among themselves on the way who was the greatest. Then he sat down, called the Twelve, and said to them, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” Taking a child, he placed it in their midst, and putting his arms around it, he said to them, “Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me.”
Reflection
I found it peculiar that the disciples were too afraid to ask Jesus questions when they didn’t understand Him, but they were not afraid to debate over who was the greatest. How can one be great when they are afraid to ask a question? If you don’t question, how can you get answers? If you don’t ask, how can you receive?
Children are not afraid to ask questions and they are great teachers of humility. When they want something, they will keep asking until they get it.
We were all once a child. If you are afraid to speak to Jesus, ask your “inner child” to do the asking.
