Arulvakku

25.02.2017 CHILDREN

GOSPEL READING: Mk 10:13-16

This passage gives us a new lesson when we read it in line with the previous one (Mk 10:1-12). In the previous passage Jesus disputes with the Pharisees regarding divorce. He makes them think in line with the original plan of God. He also teaches the disciples the evil that is in divorce. Here we see Jesus with the children. Are these children without their parents? Is this situation an outcome of the families that are divorced?

The saying of Jesus, (“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.”) goes only to show that kingdom of God is not about disputes or arguments. Kingdom is not about who is right or wrong. It is not about moral concerns (though it will play its role). The Kingdom is about belonging.

Jesus embraced the children and blessed them. These actions of Jesus show that he is at peace with this situation. Here Jesus does even preach to them or tell them what to do. It is all about welcoming, entering, belonging, embracing and blessing. Kingdom is action packed. Actions are, all of them positive and enriching.

‘சிறு பிள்ளைகளை என்னிடம் வர விடுங்கள். அவர்களைத் தடுக்காதீர்கள். ஏனெனில் இறையாட்சி இத்தகையோருக்கே உரியது. இறையாட்சியைச் சிறு பிள்ளையைப்போல் ஏற்றுக் கொள்ளாதோர் அதற்கு உட்படமாட்டார் என உறுதியாக உங்களுக்குச் சொல்கிறேன்” என்று சொல்லுவதன் வழியாக இறையாட்சி என்பது வாதங்களிலும் மோதல்களிலும் அல்ல மாறாக சார்ந்திருப்பதில் உள்;ளது என்பதைக் கூறுகிறார்.