Jesus gives some challenging teachings in today’s gospel and also challenges us on how to listen. Fr. Eric Sundrup, SJ, reflects on what it means to receive the Kingdom like a child. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 3, 2021
Context really matters…
Hi, I’m Father Eric Sundrup and this is my One-Minute Homily.
Today’s readings could be hard to hear for anyone who has suffered through the pain of a divorce.
Anytime I preach on this, I remind everyone how much context matters. That’s why I prefer the longer version of today’s gospel. In the longer version, this passage ends with Jesus placing a child in their midst.
Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.
So, what is Jesus doing here? First, Jesus blows up the expected power structures of a highly patriarchal society. Second, Jesus refocuses us on the sacramental nature of marriage… the two become one flesh. It’s a lot and it requires context to apply and understand…
So how does Jesus do that? He puts someone powerless, who has no ability to order people around and says: apply it like this, receive it like this.
So what can I tell you in a one-minute homily about this gospel? NOT enough.
Go read some solid commentaries, reflect on this and remember… be open like that child.
I have faith that God will work with us all.
