Commentary on the Gospel of

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines

Receiving Like Children

Why did the disciples block the children from going to Jesus? Mark does not tell us the reasons. But we can interpolate from our contexts (because human beings behave essentially the same way, despite differences in space and time). Perhaps they thought it was a waste of time for Jesus—he would have more important things to do than spend time with children. Or they thought kids would take undue liberty with Jesus and invade his personal space. In a world where children and women did not count, why trouble the Master with the petty needs of children? Whatever be their reasoning, Jesus was left “very angry” by their behavior. See how playful, joyful, kind, and generous he became with children! And, he leaves us a message as well: “Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Perhaps it is a corrective to our materialistic, calculated approach to the Kingdom which many want to buy with their dos and don’ts, and an invitation to receive the Kingdom as pure gift of the playful presence of God.

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