Mark 10:13-16

Sirach 17:1-15

Psalm 103:13-14, 15-16, 17-18

Mark 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.

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you have truly blessed me. I am your child and enjoy your divine life. I strive to know you and love you more each day. Grant me a share in your wisdom and charity.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Let the Children Come to Me: On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus teaches his disciples various lessons. This is the second time he teaches his disciples about the importance of humility. The first time, Jesus’ disciples were discussing among themselves who was the greatest (Mark 9:33-34). Jesus used the discussion to teach them about servant leadership: those who occupy positions of authority, whether in the Church or in the community, should act as servants of all. They should not abuse their authority or take advantage of their position for personal gain. In today’s Gospel, the disciples began to rebuke those who brought their children to Jesus so that he might touch them, embrace them, and bless them. In response, Jesus rebuked his disciples and taught them that the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like children. Jesus refers especially to the innocence and simplicity of heart children often display. Adults can often be manipulative and duplicitous, have second intentions, hide their true thoughts, or be calculating in their words and actions. The Kingdom of God does not belong to such hypocrites. 

2. Accepting the Kingdom of God like a Child: The Kingdom of God is not like the kingdoms of this world. While worldly kingdoms rise and fall, the Kingdom of God is eternal. While worldly kingdoms are built on military power, wealth, and influence, the Kingdom of God is built on covenantal love, Jesus’ sacrifice, and the merciful grace of the Holy Spirit. While the kingdoms of this world gladly welcome the proud and strong, the Kingdom of God welcomes the humble and those who trust in the Lord. Those welcomed into worldly kingdoms enjoy the embrace of the powerful, the blessings that wealth brings, and the fleeting pleasures of the good life. By contrast, those welcomed into the eternal Kingdom enjoy the divine embrace of mercy, the blessing of eternal life, and the lasting joy of heavenly rest.

3. Children of God: In the First Reading, we encounter a reflection on the Genesis account of the creation of human beings: “God from the earth created man, and in his own image he made him” (Sirach 17:1). Sirach then reflects on our death: God “makes man return to earth again.” It is wise to realize that our earthly life is short. We are only here for a time, and this is not our true home. Created in God’s own image, we have been granted dominion over creation. While the beasts and birds have reason to fear human beings, we have reason to fear the Lord. Human beings are unlike the beasts of the earth, for God gave us counsel, an inventive heart, knowledge, and understanding. He gave us the ability to discern between good and evil. We can choose what is good and to glory in the wonder of God’s deeds and praise God’s holy name. Or we can choose the path of evil and glory in ourselves and seek to make our own name great. Sirach then passes from the contemplation of our creation to the gift of the Law and the everlasting covenant given to Israel. In the end, Sirach reminds us, God will judge us and our actions: “All their actions are clear as the sun to him, his eyes are ever upon their ways” (Sirach 17:15).

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you came to this world in humility as its savior and will return to it in glory as its judge. I ask you simply to be merciful to me and take pity on me.

Living the Word of God: Can I take some time to contemplate the beauty of creation and my place in it? The readings today invite us to reflect on our lives, from the moment of our creation to our final judgment. Do I appreciate all that God has given me and done for me? How will I be when I encounter him on the day of my passing?