Mark 10:2-16: Embracing unity and a childlike faith

 

2 Some Pharisees approached him and asked, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?' They were putting him to the test.3 He answered them, 'What did Moses command you?'4 They replied, 'Moses allowed us to draw up a writ of dismissal in cases of divorce.'5 Then Jesus said to them, 'It was because you were so hard hearted that he wrote this commandment for you.6 But from the beginning of creation he made them male and female.7 This is why a man leaves his father and mother,8 and the two become one flesh. They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh.9 So then, what God has united, human beings must not divide.'10 Back in the house the disciples questioned him again about this,11 and he said to them, 'Whoever divorces his wife and marries another is guilty of adultery against her.12 And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she is guilty of adultery too.' 13 People were bringing little children to him, for him to touch them. The disciples scolded them,14 but when Jesus saw this he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.15 In truth I tell you, anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'16 Then he embraced them, laid his hands on them and gave them his blessing.

THE SERMON

My beloved readers and children of God, today we have to reflect on a profound teaching from the Gospel of Mark, a passage that challenges us to reconsider our understanding of relationships, commitment, and the nature of the kingdom of God.

As the Pharisees approach Jesus, their intent is clear: they seek to test Him, to trap Him in a legalistic debate about divorce. They cite Moses, who allowed for a writ of dismissal, but Jesus redirects the conversation back to the heart of the matter. He reminds them that God’s intention for marriage, as established at creation, is for unity, a sacred bond where two become one flesh. This divine union is not merely a legal arrangement but a profound connection that reflects God’s love.

Jesus acknowledges that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of human hearts. This is a crucial point. It reveals that the laws and rules we create often stem from our imperfections and struggles. Jesus calls us to rise above this hardness, to embrace the transformative power of love and grace. He emphasizes that what God has joined together, we must not separate. In a world where relationships can often be transactional, where love can feel conditional, Jesus invites us to understand that true love is steadfast, enduring, and rooted in commitment.

Yet, Jesus does not stop there. After addressing the seriousness of marriage, He turns His attention to the children being brought to Him. His reaction is one of indignation towards His disciples, who scold the people for bringing the little ones. Jesus declares, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them.” Here, He emphasizes a radical inclusion, one that contrasts sharply with the rigid structures often seen in religious practices.

Children, in their innocence and openness, embody the qualities essential for entering the kingdom of God: trust, wonder, and humility. They teach us that faith is not merely a set of rules to be followed but a relationship to be nurtured. To welcome the kingdom of God like a child means to embrace vulnerability and to seek genuine connection with God and one another.

In our lives, we may find ourselves grappling with the complexities of relationships, whether they be familial, friendships, or romantic. Jesus’ message challenges us to reflect on how we approach these relationships. Are we quick to judge, to criticize, or to separate? Or are we willing to embody grace, to forgive, and to honor the bonds that unite us?

As we consider these themes, let us be reminded that the call to unity and love is not just for marriages but extends to all our interactions. We are called to build bridges, to reconcile differences, and to cultivate an environment where everyone feels welcomed, especially the marginalized and vulnerable among us.

Moreover, let us ask ourselves: How can we embrace a spirit of childlike wonder in our faith? How can we approach our relationships with the same openness and love that Jesus exemplified? In doing so, we will not only enrich our lives but also reflect the love of God to the world around us.

As we conclude, let us remember that in the kingdom of God, everyone is invited, and every relationship holds the potential for grace. May we strive to live out this calling, fostering love and connection, as we follow the example of Christ.