Today's well-known Gospel from Mark 10 deals with two basic subjects- marriage and children. Marriage between man and women and the presence of children are fundamentally good parts of earthly life, even for those who do not marry or have their own children. Because of the people around Christ- the Pharisees and the Disciples- both sections of our reading have a negative element. Yet, if we pay attention to the words of Jesus, the teachings are basically positive. Divorce is a concession to human weakness, but God intended marriage to be a good, positive and helpful aspect of earthly life. So human beings should repent of their selfishness and sin, and they should seek divine help as they honor marriage.
In a similar manner, some people (in this instance the Twelve) find children to be a bother or a burden. However, Jesus rebukes them and points out that children have great spiritual value. Sometimes, they are relatively innocent and enthusiastic, but even more basically, they are humble and open to God's work. Children are ready to receive the kingdom of God, and adults would do well to follow their pattern of humility and openness. We should bless children and be blessed by them.
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