Saturday | May 25, 2024
Mark 10:16
Then he embraced the children and blessed them, placing his hands on them.
St. Bede the Venerable, St. Gregory VII, St. Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi
Such Is the Kingdom
When we’re weary, when we’ve already spent ourselves and our energy in loving service, it can be challenging to say yes to even one more thing. Any teacher, parent, guardian or mentor knows this.
Earlier in chapter 10, we read that crowds had gathered around Jesus, and he taught them. He then spent some time responding to the Pharisees’ attempts to trap him. So we can read between the lines to sense how tired Jesus must have already been as the next wave of people approached. It’s understandable that his disciples wanted to protect him from further demands on his time.
But to come between parents bringing their little ones forward in hopes of a blessing and healing touch? No way, insists Jesus, welcome the children and all who share their spirit into their place of belonging in my heart.
- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.
James 5:13-20 • Psalm 141:1-3, 8 • Mark 10:13-16
