Gospel: Mark 10: 13-16
Once again we find the disciples preventing others from access to Jesus. Whereas in past episodes where they sought to deter women, foreigners, and outcasts from seeing Jesus, today it is children they seek to bar from Jesus' presence. Children had no status in ancient societies. They were regarded as akin to property of their families and had no legal rights in society.
What is more, children really made no decisions at all for themselves until adulthood. They were told what profession they would be placed, and they were told whom they would marry. Everything was arranged and decide for them. So here we find children making a free decision of their own to seek Jesus, a decision not made by anyone else as in all other things in their life. So it is that Jesus yet again rebukes his disciples for preventing others from seeking him. In fact, it is to those like children - without status or freedom but those seeking him in freedom - that the kingdom belongs.
Throughout the Gospels we have this stark contrast between the disciples who continually seek to prevent others from access to Jesus, and Jesus himself who time and again rebukes them and welcomes all into his company. Today we might well reflect on which example we follow in our own lives and ministry. Are we bar bouncers like the disciples, or welcoming hosts at a banquet for all?
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