IMITATE THE CHILDREN OF GOD – 02/26/22 (Saturday)

Mark 10:13-15

13 And they were bringing children to Him, that He might touch them; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it He was indignant, and said to them, "Let the children come to Me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 

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Blessed Saturday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time! The disciples rebuked the people who brought their children to Jesus. Perhaps, it's because they felt that these children were a burden to Jesus. In reality, He is pleased with the children because people with childlike faith are those who would enter heaven. It could be that the disciples were the ones who felt that the children were a burden to them, and they just assumed the same was true for Christ. Focusing upon oneself and one's desires over God's will is a form of pride. What cures us of pride is humility, and our Lord gives us a message how to practice this virtue through the example of His children. 

The children whom Jesus refers to are not just limited to infants and the young. They also include adults who are fully dependent on Him just as how a child is fully dependent on the father. As such, they are the people whose life is centered on pleasing God and following His will. There are instances in our lives when we act like the disciples by feeling burdened by others who live the Catholic faith. Some people can be disappointed when they see their family members using their money to feed the poor rather than spend it with more luxurious things. Others may be irritated when they invite their friends to party and pressure them to be drunk but out of love for Christ, they choose not to do so. Meanwhile, there can be a tendency for others to judge people who spend hours in prayers and who make small sacrifices as if they are wasting too much time. The truth is that God is pleased with people who come to Him with humility and simplicity. Jesus Christ wants us to be sensitive to the inspiration of God by reflecting upon the examples of faithful Catholics, so we can have the hope of entering heaven. 

Our Lord Jesus taught the disciples about humility through the examples of the children who were brought to Him by their parents. How about us? In what way can we grow in virtues and good works as we see the lives of people who follow Christ? To be a little child before God, we need to spend time with Him in prayer. Let's ask forgiveness for the times when we judge others rather than do what is right in the eyes of God. May we ask God about the things that we need to change in ourselves to be more pleasing to Him. Let's also not forget to seek help from the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as how the parents brought their children to Jesus, our spiritual Mother will bring us closer to Him through her prayers. In this way, our faith in God will be strengthened, and we will have the hope of praising Him in heaven forever. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic