People were bringing even infants to Jesus that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”
A certain ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother.'” He replied, “I have kept all these since my youth.” When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” But when he heard this, he became sad; for he was very rich. Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” Then Peter said, “Look, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not get back very much more in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.” Luke 18:15-30
The holiday season has begun and we are all inundated with ads for sales, the best Christmas gifts and decorations, etc. We can be overwhelmed by the expectations, both our own and our families. Yet we are reminded that this season is about welcoming a vulnerable, homeless child into the world, the incarnate, living God made flesh. We can get overwhelmed by the constant holiday music and images, or, we can take the time to find our selves as children again bringing that simple joy and wonder to the table.
Jesus is overwhelmed by people bringing their babies to be blessed. The disciples thought Jesus was too busy and too important for this. Yet, just the opposite is the case. Jesus invites us to come as little ones, honest and vulnerable, aware of our needs and pain. Our money and status mean nothing to the Creator, but our open hearts mean everything.
Today I ask God to help me be child like in all my dealings. May we be honest and vulnerable before God and one another, so that we might welcome love in all forms and from all people.
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