In the second half of last Sunday’s Gospel, we read some challenging words from Jesus. If we read them carefully, we notice they seem disconnected. Jesus probably uttered these words at different times, and they were put together later.
Jesus says harsh words against anyone scandalising or rejecting the “little ones.” Jesus refers not
only to children but all those who are, for one reason or another, weak and vulnerable. We might think today of the politically oppressed, materially poor, migrants and refugees, women who have had abortions, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, or women and children who have been abused. Anyone alienating such persons from God incurs a severe and significant responsibility.
Jesus goes on to say that the person should be drowned. This
contradicts everything Jesus teaches about love and compassion and may make us uncomfortable. However, it underlines the seriousness with which Jesus takes the alienation of the “little ones.” Our task is to open the pathways to the God of all people and allow the Spirit of God to work.
It is a sober reminder that we are not God’s “police force.” First and foremost, we should speak and live so that others see God’s love and welcome
reflected through us. We are responsible for and accountable to God for our own lives and decisions. God will care for each person in the way that God knows best - God does not need “protectors”!
Jesus invites us to consider whether we—or our Christian communities—could be responsible for alienating any of his “little ones.” Do some people feel they cannot approach Christ because we have rejected or scandalised them?
Take some time today to reflect on Jesus’ very challenging words. Could there be people you have consciously or unconsciously pushed away from the Lord? In the light of this, what might the Lord be inviting you to do now?
Reflections by Russell Pollitt SJ
