Just come

Let the children come to me. (Mark 10:14) 

If you have ever been around little kids for an extended length of time, you know that they are not picture-perfect little angels. Some run around and knock things over, others ask embarrassing questions, and some can’t help but interrupt their parents’ conversations. The kids who gathered around Jesus were no different. There was probably a mix of all kinds of personalities and dispositions—some were rambunctious, some were shy, some were inquisitive, and some were demanding. But no matter how different they were, each of them was attracted to Jesus. And he welcomed them all! In a culture where children were taught to keep out of the way, Jesus wanted them to come closer so that he could bless them. “Let them come,” he said.

Jesus looks at us in the same way. He doesn’t mind if we don’t have it all together. He doesn’t expect us to act perfectly around him. He just wants to be close to us. He knows that each of us deeply desires to be welcomed, to be valued, to belong. And that’s exactly what Jesus wants to tell us. It doesn’t matter whether or not we feel worthy; it doesn’t matter whether or not we fit some ideal of what a friend of Jesus looks like. He just wants us to come to him. 

With that in mind, read this passage again, and imagine all the different kinds of children who were brought to Jesus. Think about the love and patience he must have had. Think about his overflowing joy as he interacted with them, both as a group and individually. Think about how he loved and blessed each one in a special way. 

Now, picture yourself as one of those children. Imagine he’s looking at you as all the others are milling around. He says, “Don’t be afraid,” and holds out his hand. He already knows you inside and out, and he welcomes you. He doesn’t want you to feel unworthy. He sees the goodness that he has put inside of you, and he knows the kind of person you can become. Your rough edges will be smoothed. Can you hear him inviting you? Go ahead and run to him! 

“Jesus, help me to draw near to you like a child.” 

from wau.org

Committed to you

You are . . . members of the household of God. (Ephesians 2:19) 

“Where did I come from?” The question seems to be ingrained in us. We make family trees, talk about our great grandparents, and pass down family recipes for generations. Now we can even find out about our genetic background, thanks to DNA mapping technology. Why is this quest for our history so important to us? Because it helps us understand who we are and how we fit into this world.

There’s another aspect to this quest for self-discovery, even though we don’t always recognize it. In addition to our genetic DNA, and our family and social DNA, we also have a spiritual DNA that is every bit as important. Who are the “members of the household of God” whose DNA has been passed on and influenced us (Ephesians 2:19)?

Today’s feast of St. Thomas gives us a few answers. When Jesus chose Thomas to be one of his apostles, he may have sensed that Thomas would be filled with questions and doubts. If nothing else, he would have seen the signs during their time together. But none of Thomas’ doubtful ways moved Jesus to reject him or ask him to leave. Thomas belonged, just as everyone else did.

In fact, Jesus even used Thomas’ doubting to his advantage: as he invited Thomas to probe his wounds, he told all of his apostles—and all of us—“Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29). Jesus seized on a perfect opportunity to explain our mission to bring everyone to faith in him—the doubtful as well as the self-assured.

Your “natural” DNA may make it easy or hard for you to believe. You may be a trusting soul, or you may tend toward skepticism. You may be meek or bold, flexible or stubborn. It doesn’t matter. You are a spiritual descendant of all the saints: the doubting Thomas, the blustery Peter, the anguished Mary Magdalene, and the overly zealous Paul. Whoever you take after, Jesus treasures you. He has a vital role for you to play in his kingdom. Because you are made in his image, he is completely committed to you. 

“Thank you, Jesus, for loving me as I am. Lord, come and make me more like you.”

from wau.org

"...with whom I am well pleased"

You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. (Mark 1:11) 

Unlike most people, who were baptized as infants, Ron remembers well the day he was baptized because he was an adult when it happened. For him, it was far more than a step his parents took for him so that he could become part of the Church. It was the day he received new life. He always tells people what happened to him when the priest poured the holy water over his head. It was like someone had “turned the lights on.” He felt a tangible sense of peace and joy. He knew at that moment that God was with him and that God loves him. 

We don’t know what Jesus felt at his baptism. Unlike us, he didn’t need to be purified from sin. But his baptism, like ours, was an anointing from the Father. And we know what the Father thought about him! There are few recorded instances in Scripture when God speaks on his own, without using a prophet, and this is one of them. Jesus was his only divine Son; he couldn’t help but voice his approval and delight in him. 

Baptism has many effects. It purifies us from sin, gives us power to live a holy life, and makes us part of Christ’s body. But these aren’t just theological facts that we need to memorize. They tell us about a reality that transforms our very existence. Baptism makes us adopted children of God. We may not hear an audible voice telling us that he is “well pleased” with us, but we can be sure that this is exactly what God says each time someone is baptized (Mark 1:11). 

How can we know that for sure? By taking a look at the cross. If God sent Jesus to offer his life for us, then his love for us must be beyond anything we can imagine. His delight in us must be strong, affirming, and joyful.

So when you read the Father’s words to Jesus, know that he speaks them to you too. Today try repeating this to yourself: “I am God’s beloved son or daughter, and he is well pleased with me.” Let that truth sink in deeper today—and thank your heavenly Father for all his love.

“Lord, help me to accept your love for me.”

from wau.org