Saturday, 1 February 2025. Readings: Sirach 17:1-13, Ps. 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18a, Mark 10:13-16
“Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” (Mark 10:14-15)
- In yesterday’s Gospel passage, Jesus answered a question on divorce, vigorously defending the marriage bond and clarifying that “what God has joined together, man must not divide.” The saying goes, “When two elephants fight, the ground suffers.” Children suffer the most when parents fight. They are the greatest victims of broken homes.
- Jesus was a special friend of Children. A few days ago, we read about how Jesus took a child among his disciples and told them that if anyone would be great, he must first be a servant, and least of all, whoever humbles himself like a child will be great in the Kingdom of God.
- Today, people brought children to Jesus so that he would bless them. Behold, his disciples tried to stop them. Jesus rebuked his disciples saying, “Let the children come to them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” In other words, children are dear to God not just because they are fragile but because they have receptive hearts. They easily believe and accept what they are told. Jesus says, “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.
- What does it mean to receive God’s kingdom like a child? It means having an open heart and being willing to learn and accept correction. It means trusting God entirely even when one does not understand Him. It means fearing God and doing everything possible to avoid sin. Today, Jesus wants us to recover our childlike spirit. Unless we revive our dead consciences, we cannot enter heaven.
- Today’s First Reading is a commentary on the first three chapters of the Book of Genesis. God made us from dust (out of the earth). He made us in his image. We resemble God in many ways, but our time on earth is limited. Nevertheless, while we continue to breathe, God puts everything under our authority.
- God has also given us a mind for thinking, and filled us with the discipline of discernment. In other words, we can tell good from evil. Our covenant with God entails that we live by His commandments. God speaks in the depths of our hearts: “Beware of all unrighteousness.” This brings us once again to our Gospel passage. As children, we never doubted the stories in the Book of Genesis despite their inherent contradictions and inconsistencies. We believed in catechism, and we were determined to avoid all unrighteousness. Having become adults, we would only attain eternal life if we renew our childlike faith and zeal.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, restore our innocence, reawaken our prayer life and increase our fear of you. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday Week 7 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Sirach 17:1-13, Ps. 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18a, Mark 10:13-16).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu