Little-Ones

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Little-Ones

Open     Receptive

Accepting     Receiving     Embracing

Children Come To Me

Jesus

(photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Mark 10: 13 to 16

People were bringing children to Jesus that He might touch them, but the disciples tried to stop them. 

When Jesus noticed this, He was upset and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not stop them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God as a child accepts it will not enter in."

Then Jesus embraced them and blessed them.

He placed His hands on them.

Reflection

It is easy to understand the reaction of the disciples in our passage from The Gospel of Mark. They don't want the children to bother Jesus.

He doesn't see the children as a bother at all. It sounds like He enjoys being with them.

I have always found that I learn so much from children. The way they look at the world with fresh eyes. 

Everything is so amazing for them. Those things we take for granted are special for them.

I remember taking a walk with our granddaughter one day. She saw a butterfly and we had to run after it! 

We never caught it. She totally enjoyed the chase!

I just love the image of Jesus embracing the children. It speaks to my soul and tells me that Jesus will always make time for me.

I heard a homily recently in which the priest was expanding the notion of the "little ones". Usually, of course, we just think of children.

He was saying that the "little ones" can refer to any group that is vulnerable. It can be the marginalized, refugees, immigrants, the homeless, addicts, or those facing mental illness.

Sometimes, unfortunately, these are the very people we walk away from. Jesus shows us another way.

Anyone who is ignored or seen as too much trouble for "important" people, Jesus sees in a different light. He says simply, "Come to me."

He embraces all those whom we refuse to embrace. The Kingdom belongs to them!

1. Who are the people in your life with whom you do not bother? 

2. What have you learned from the children you have encountered?

3. Do you think that Jesus will always make time for you?

4. Who are the "little ones" in your life?

(scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)