“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.” Mark 10:13-14
The Lord, surrounded by children at a simple table, or outside, how beautiful is that image? Most of my memories from childhood are around a large, loud, and rambunctious table that invited the sharing of laughter, tears, and learning. We eat lots of good Italian food and screamed over each other’s conversations and managed to hear each other! Simple experiences that inspired the heart and formed the mind.
Our table of many generations shared traditions, love, and family stories. A few gut-wrenching, and painful, were the ones shared by both my grandfathers on being carabinieri - or Italian army men, during WWII. They both were taken prisoner early on, one of them in England and treated as a human being; the other, in Italy, with not enough food to eat. The stories commanded our attention, and our eyes painfully captured every tear that was shared. My grandparents understood the importance of sharing these real-life experiences and hoped that through them, they would help future generations avoid the mistakes that fomented an evil that grew unabated in theirs.
In this parable, the Lord calls the children to hear him and learn, he invites others to become like children at heart and welcome love, not evil. Are we going to reach that loud table being prepared in heaven? Are our hearts ready?
Do you invite intergenerational conversation at your table? Could these be the start of a powerful transformation?
My good Jesus, give me the strength to uproot the things that prevent me from being with you.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Vivi Iglesias
Did you know...
Vivi Iglesias is the National Advisor for Partnerships for Catholic Relief Services (CRS). A theologian, public speaker, and writer, Vivi serves as Region XIV Chair for the V Encuentro Process of Hispanic Ministry and is a lay member of the Bishop’s Board of Directors of the US Catholic Bishops Southeast Regional Office for Hispanic Ministry (SEPI). A native of Argentina, she is a wife, mother, and proud grandmother. Her experience includes almost 19 years of work with the Diocese of St. Petersburg, first in the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, later as Executive Secretary to the Bishop for almost eleven years, and finally as Associate Director of Hispanic Ministry.
