Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Mark 10, 13- 16

People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch 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,
placing his hands on them.

Don’t prevent others from getting close to Jesus

1. Be like children. I’m thinking of Saint Therese of Lisieux’s spirituality. Being like children is pouring out tenderness and affection, showing confidence and being able to share with others. I love it when I visit kindergartens and see how they learn to have a snack together or play with their peers. But when we’re about to enter university or professional life, we’re already competitive and jealous. Be like a child, not a capricious and spoiled one, but one who’s open to others.  

2. They wouldn’t let them. Those of us who are close to Jesus, like the apostles, can fall into what I call “Catholic bouncers,” like those who decide who’s allowed in and who isn’t, who can come close and who can’t. And if there are people we don’t like, we hurt them, so they’ll leave. This way we impoverish the Church, and we don’t allow many to come to Jesus. If you’re part of a group or movement in the Church, or you’re a priest, a nun, or a monk, please bring people closer to Jesus, don’t prevent them from coming to Him, don’t send them away.  

3. Courage. Temperance means “self-control.” Today, it would be good for you to reflect whether you’re in control of yourself. It’s essential to know how to control your character and your attitudes when faced with different circumstances in life.   Remember that something good is on the way!    God bless you and keep you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.