Today’s gospel reveals a profound truth of Jesus’ ministry – that Jesus sees each of us as a beloved child of God.

As people bring little children to Jesus, the disciples try to turn them away. He rebukes the disciples and says, ‘Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ (Mark 10:15). Then, he takes the children into his arms and embraces them with a love that is joyful and unreserved.  Jesus’ response is both a challenge and an invitation, which extends beyond that moment. Jesus calls each of us to childlike faith.

Being childlike is a way of being and a posture of our heart.  It is one that sees with wonder and awe, unburdened by cynicism and doubt.  Being childlike means being trusting, open-hearted and unpretentious. Children come to Jesus without credentials or achievements. They come simply as they are: needing love, care, and guidance.

To be childlike is to allow our hearts to be moved by Christ’s presence. It means trusting that He sees us, knows us, loves us and calls us to Himself. Like children, we are invited to come as we are, secure in the love and the embrace of the One who calls us.

Let us pray, surrendering all pretence, all striving, and simply coming before Jesus as children, trusting that He will take us in His arms and bless us.

by Lisa McKerr