In today's Gospel reading, we see how the Pharisees questioned Jesus on 'divorce'' and their intention was hostile. Yet Mark did not want to pursue this subject but to present an authoritative teaching of Jesus on marriage and divorce which is followed by showing the attitude of Jesus towards Children (v.13-16).

On marriage, it is the will of our heavenly Father, the Creator that married life should be lived as existence for each other until death. Marriage is a solemn and holy bond that unites man and woman in mutual love and fidelity. Today, we see the contrast in the increasing number of broken marriages and divorces. How do our young view marriage today? Are they well-prepared before they take the solemn promise made to each other in marriage?

The first reading (Gen.2:18-24)spells out clearly the intention of God in creating man and woman. In Mk.13-16, Jesus introduced another scale of values. In a society where children were considered as 'nobody', Jesus did not conform himself to this attitude like the disciples. For Jesus, children represent the weak and powerless in our society. The Kingdom of God cannot be realized if we do not give importance to this group of our brethren. It is in becoming powerless, helpless that we become capable of belonging to the Kingdom and able to be at the service of those who are deprived, marginalised and powerless in our society.