People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples turned them away, but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ Then he put his arms round them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.
(Mark 10:13-16)
For me, this scripture capped a evening of truly enjoyable fellowship with some friends. Dinner and a birthday celebration for this family's mom. After reading this Gospel Scripture this morning, I thought of my friends' beautiful young children. They are full of life and fun. Their parents do everything they can to encourage them to be happy and developmentally appropriate for their ages. And, their parents truly enjoy them. It struck me the at these two young children also really enjoy their parents, and want to always be with them, asking them questions, relying on them in a knowing way -- as if to say, mom and dad, you are for me!
This is how God enjoys His children, and does everything possible to allow us to be happy (blessed). And Jesus tells us, the Father calls us to welcome the Kingdom of God in us like a child. You know, those two little kids and their parents were today's Gospel for me.
