divorces her husband and marries another, also commits adultery.” People were bringing their little children to him to have him touch them; and the disciples rebuked them for this. When Jesus noticed it, he was very angry and said, “Let the children come to me and don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Then he took the children in his arms and, laying his hands on them, blessed them.

Lectio Divina
Read: God created man and woman to be helpers to each other, on equal footing. It has been God’s will, from the beginning of creation, that man and woman make a commitment to belong to each other for good. Everything that exists does so through God and for His glory – so do human families.
Reflect: Isn’t it more than sheer coincidence that Mark discusses the indissolubility of marriage following it up with Jesus welcoming children and rebuking those who prevent their access to him, the source of life? Of late, marriage has become a private affair between two individuals focused on furthering their own pleasure and selfish ends to such an extent that having children within marriage becomes unthinkable and an aberration. At best, they are open to having one child, and no more. Whereas Catholics don’t have to breed like rabbits, as Pope Francis rightly pointed out, they must definitely be open to welcoming children as the necessary and noble fruit of their marital bond.
Pray: Pray for Christian families.
Act: Dine together as a family. If you are single, dine with a family today.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018