As I sit quietly contemplating today's Gospel where Jesus blesses the little children, I find myself deeply moved by His words and actions. This scene from Mark's Gospel speaks to me in profound ways.
People brought children to Jesus so that He might bless them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, He became indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then He embraced the children and blessed them.
In this moment, I see Jesus revealing a fundamental truth about our relationship with God. Our Catholic tradition has always recognized the significance of this passage - that childlike faith is not childish, but rather characterized by trust, openness, and humility.
I find myself wondering: When did I begin to complicate my faith? When did I start to believe that I needed to be sophisticated, learned, or accomplished to approach God? Just as those disciples tried to keep the children away, thinking Jesus had more important matters to attend to, I too have sometimes forgotten the simplicity of our faith.
Children approach life with wonder and acceptance. They trust completely, love without reservation, and forgive quickly. They don't carry the baggage of pride, pretense, or past hurts that so often weighs down many adults.
When we speak of grace - that is freely given, it is a gift of God's presence and love. Children instinctively understand grace. They receive gifts with joy and gratitude, not feeling they must earn or deserve them.
When Jesus embraces these children and blesses them, I see Him embracing all of us. I too am called to approach Him as a child would - with open arms, an open heart, and complete trust in His love and care for me.
Today, I pray for the grace of God, for us to receive the kingdom as a child does - with simplicity, trust, and joy. I ask for help in setting aside my adult complications, my need to understand everything, my reluctance to depend on others. In becoming more childlike in my faith, perhaps I can draw closer to the heart of Jesus who welcomes the little ones with such tender love.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
