Readings: James 5: 13-20; Ps. 141; Mark: 10:13-16

Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

 WHAT IS YOUR DISPOSITION TOWARDS THE KINGDOM GOD

 Oftentimes whenever we contemplate the kingdom of God, two questions come to mind, the first question is how will it look like? And the second question is how are we going to be part of it? These questions are very important because we wish to have the right disposition towards embracing the kingdom.

Hence in our Gospel passage today Jesus gave us the guiding principles of what should be our disposition towards the kingdom when he said: Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. I tell you solemnly, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’

Here, Jesus surprised his disciples by welcoming little children and setting them as an example of what should be our attitude and disposition towards the kingdom. This is because children are docile, humble, teachable, loving, forgiven and dependent. Such disposition is necessary for anyone who wishes to embrace the kingdom of God. Thus, Jesus explains that in the kingdom of heaven, true greatness is found in humility and children serve as a symbol of humility for they are dependent on adults for everything just as we also are dependent on God. Little children serve as concrete symbols of simplicity which is a condition for entering the kingdom of heaven.

So, in children we see these great virtues of simplicity and humility being present. Then, we can understand why Jesus ordered that children should be brought to him and that nothing should be said or done to hinder them. Therefore, we must receive the kingdom of God as little children; we must stand affected by Christ and his grace, as little children to their parents and guidance.

Dear friends, how many of us today possess these qualities of little children? How many of us are docile to this invitation of Jesus calling us to be humble and obedient to God’s instructions? How many of us are still innocent and pure like little children? How many of them are peaceful, forgiven and loving like little children? Today the Lord is calling us to embrace these qualities of little children in order to have the right disposition towards embracing the kingdom of God.

Little wonder, St. James in our first reading today is calling us to embrace this childlike disposition towards fulfilling our mission of loving and forgiving one another when he said: My brothers, if one of you strays away from the truth, and another brings him back to it, he may be sure that anyone who can bring back a sinner from the wrong way that he has taken will be saving a soul from death and covering up a great number of sins. Therefore, let us in childlike disposition look out for one another as we embrace the kingdom of God.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, we have become so much engrossed with the competitive activities of this world out of pride, Grant that, we may embrace your kingdom with childlike humility and disposition that is rooted in the humble service of one another, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Do have a blessed and fruitful weekend.