Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

Mark 10:2-16

Rev. Neli Miranda

Jesus has arrived in the territory of Judea where he will carry out the final part of his mission, which will be marked by a series of confrontations with his opponents. These confrontations begin with a group of Pharisees who challenge him with a question about divorce, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” (10,2). Their question reveals the dominant position of men in Jewish society as it emphasizes a man’s ability to divorce his wife, who is thus relegated to a position of object. To support their position, the Pharisees cite a Mosaic law, interpreting it to suit their own purposes; however, Jesus cites the foundational scriptures of Genesis, which highlight the creation of human beings, men and women, with equal dignity and rights.

Last week, on October 1, we celebrated Children’s Day in Guatemala and given that the second section of today’s Gospel speaks to us about how Jesus wants us to treat the children—the little ones in our community—I would like to now give continuity to the theme of the little ones in Jesus’ community.

For the past several Sundays, we have been listening to Jesus speak about the little ones, the children, who are also the vulnerable, the ignored, the voiceless, the underprivileged. Previously, Mark highlighted that while Jesus was stressing service, humility, and sacrifice, the twelve disciples argued about power, greatness, and control in the community. In response, Jesus placed a child in the center of the community (I like to think it was a girl), identified with this little one, and declared that those who embraced the little ones also embraced God.

Today, once again, Mark denounces the disciples for mistreating the little ones instead of welcoming them... While Jesus is teaching the crowd, people bring their little children to him, desiring Jesus to touch and bless them. These are impoverished families living in great vulnerability, seeking Jesus’ blessings for their children, believing that their little ones are recipients of God’s blessings. However, the disciples were not very helpful; Mark notes that instead of welcoming the children, they spoke sternly to them.

Do you remember how many times you were mistreated by the adults in the church simply for being a child? As adults, do we repeat this pattern of behavior with children?

Indignant at the attitude of his disciples, Jesus tells them (perhaps shouting): “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs” (10,14). Jesus is clear: the blessings of the Kingdom are for the little ones, those in great need, those with no one else to look down on, those at the bottom of the social ladder. As the disciples display their power in the community, Jesus reminds them that radical dependence—not arrogance or greatness—is the necessary attitude to enter the Kingdom of God, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it” (10,15). Jesus underscores here that children represent the ideal disciples due to their complete dependence on the help of others. Like these little ones, Jesus’ disciples must embody humility and total dependence on God to enter the Kingdom of God.

After reproaching his disciples, Jesus offers us one of the most beautiful images of the Gospel when he takes the children in his arms, lays his hands on them, and blesses them (Mark 10:16). This is how I remember myself in my childhood, embraced by Jesus!

Dear sisters and brothers, today, Jesus calls us to hold the little ones in our arms and bless them with our actions. Neglecting them aligns us with the disciples who tried to prevent the children from approaching Jesus and receiving his blessing. How do we hold the little ones in our arms today? How do we bless them?

Before concluding, I would also like to remember that two days ago, on October 4, we celebrated St. Francis of Assisi, one of Jesus’ disciples who inspires us to care for the little ones. He dedicated himself to God and supported the neediest of his time, expanding the circle of the little ones to include nature and animals as well. In the midst of a system that preys on the planet and its inhabitants, let’s be St. Francis of Assisi!

Dear sisters and brothers, may we always remain faithful to Jesus’ teachings, bringing the Kingdom of God to the little ones among us. Let us also remember that we must receive the kingdom of God as a little child to enter it. Amen.