THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS FOR THE CHILD-LIKE

Mark 10,13-16

            Although today’s gospel reading talks to us about children but actually, it is about the Kingdom of God and what kind of people can expect to be part of it. People are bringing their children to Jesus to be blessed by Him. But His disciples rebuke them. Why? The text does not say it. Perhaps because according to the ritual norms of the time, the small children with their mothers lived almost constantly the legal impurity. To touch them meant to become impure! Or maybe, according to the Jewish tradition when men are discussing serious issues women and children are not supposed to be there.

            But Jesus scolds His disciples for acting like this and teaches them about the nature of God’s Kingdom and the people He expects to be part of it. It is of such as these children that the Kingdom of God is made. He says: “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it”.

            Even though children are weak and subject to exploitation. No wonder Jesus makes these children as a symbol to convey a message that we too should be like children. God is not telling us to act like a child; rather, he wants us first, to trust Him like a child. A child never doubts the love of an adult for him. Even if when his parents correct, admonish, or punish him from time to time, the child continues to trust. Second, to be humble and simple like a child.