Church of the
Annunciation

Today’s Gospel is a rather strange mixture of Jesus speaking to the Pharisees and those gathered regarding the old marriage, divorce and adultery laws. And, in the meantime, Jesus was also very aware that there were children running around.

   While He was speaking some of the children were brought to Him for a blessing. Try to picture the disappointment as they were stopped from getting close to Jesus. His displeasure with the disciples was quite evident.

   Jesus proclaims: “Let these 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.” Jesus embraced and blessed them.

    Children were of little value during the time of Jesus. His words and actions would have certainly been a challenge to the disciples.
   There is nothing simplistic about being a child. Kids know who to trust and love by the way they are treated. Jesus is trying to illustrate that childlike faith is never cynical or indifferent; it is anything but childish.

   This is the faith that Jesus is asking us to embrace; a faith that does not separate words from actions. It is a faith that is focused on God without condition. It is a faith that makes us realize that God’s arms are always open and ready to forgive and love.

                                            Fr. Jerry