Commentary on the Gospel of
WHOEVER DOES NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD LIKE A CHILD WILL NOT ENTER IT
In Jesus’ time, children were shooed away from adult conversations. How refreshing to hear that Jesus took children in his arms, laid his hands on them and blessed them.
Many of our statues and icons present a sober and stoical Jesus, one not too approachable. Only recently have artists depicted a Jesus smiling or laughing. Yet the historical Jesus, despite his commanding presence, drew children to him. We can imagine children begging to be lifted up, clambering to sit on his lap, and wringing his neck with their arms. May we approach Jesus eagerly like children.
