May 21, 2005

Children Mk 10:13-16
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.
"Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it" I believe the people wanted Jesus to touch the children in order to impart healing and Divine protection on them. Many of the Gospel miracles of healing occur when Jesus touches the sick. It is hard to imagine a person who would turn their back to a child in need.

Our culture in America has seemed to me to have become very adult oriented. The child naturally has a sense of joy and wonder in the world with a beautiful innocence that is in my image of what childhood is. Some children are robbed of the full innocence and joy in their lives by cruel experiences. I will pray for the eyes of a child again for the day and also pray for children who are enduring sufferings in the world now.