Liturgical day: Saturday 7th in Ordinary Time
Gospel text (Mk 10,13-16): People were bringing their little children to Jesus to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this. When Jesus noticed it, He was very angry and said, «Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it». Then He took the children in his arms and laying his hands on them, blessed them.
«Let the children come to me»
Fr. Josep Lluís SOCÍAS i Bruguera
(Badalona, Barcelona, Spain)
Today, children are news. More than ever before, children have a lot to say, even 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 their little children to Jesus to have him touch them, and the disciples rebuked them for this» (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 noticed it, He was very angry and said, ‘Let the children come to me and don't stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these’» (Mk 10:14).
Charity must follow priorities: it begins with the most needy. And, if everybody has the right to approach Jesus, infants are the first ones to enjoy this privilege: «Let the children come to me and don't stop them» (Mk 10:14).
We should realize, however, that when helping the more needy, we happen to be the first ones to benefit of it. This is why the Master warns us: «Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it» (Mk 10:15). And, in correspondence to the simplicity and openness of those children «He took them in his arms and laying his hands on them, blessed them» (Mk 10:16).
We must learn the art of receiving 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 favour, we must listen and contemplate with “receptive silence”. After St. Ignatius of Antioch, 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».