26th of February

Gospel text

(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.

The Application

Lord, how much I long  to be your child, a child faithful to you, who listens to you, and especially an obedient child. Help me Lord to become a true child who loves you, not only by my words, but also by my deeds. Let me come to you, very close to be with you. I need your grace, and without you I can do nothing.

I would also like to love you as much as possible in my brothers and sisters, treating them as your children, your beloved ones. Some of them are like me, weak and fragile, unfaithful and unbelieving, and they put you to the test, provoking your anger. Lord, I think of your children in Russia and Ukraine. I entrust them to you Lord.

While making this sincere prayer, help me Lord that I may bring your children closer to you. Let me not be scandal to your children directly or indirectly, to approach you. Let me the facilitator who remains as the door open and welcoming, for your children to approach your easily. Amen.

“Let the children come to me”

Fr. Josep Lluís SOCÍAS i Bruguera

(Badalona, Barcelona, Spain)

Today, children are the news. More than ever before, children have a lot to say, even if the word “infant” means “he who does not speak”. We can better appreciate that in electronic devices: they know how to switch them on and off, how to use them properly and, even how to teach us, adults, to correctly use them. A noted reporter used to say that, “even if infants do not speak it does not mean they do not think”.

In this fragment of Mark's Gospel we find several considerations: “People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked them” (Mk 10:13). But the Lord, who did not mind relating to everybody, did connect with infants even more so. This is why, 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” (Mk 10:14).

Charity must follow priorities: it begins with those who are the neediest. And, if everybody has the right to approach Jesus, infants are the first ones to enjoy this privilege: “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them” (Mk 10:14).

We should realize, however, that when helping those who are needier, we happen to be the first ones to benefit of it. This is why the Master warns us: “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it” (Mk 10:15). And, in corresponding to the simplicity and openness of those children, “Then he embraced them and blessed them, placing his hands on them” (Mk 10:16).

We must learn the art of embracing the Kingdom of God. He who is like a child can easily perceive that everything is a gift, a grace. From our smallness we should be open to receive. And, “to receive” God's favor, we must listen and contemplate with “receptive silence”. After St. Ignatius of Antioch, said to the Ephesians “It is better for a man to be silent and be [a Christian], than to talk and not to be one. (...) He who possesses the word of Jesus, is truly able to hear even His very silence, that he may be perfect, and may both act as he speaks, and be recognized by his silence.’’