I can think of a few people who would not consider being called “childlike” a compliment. But to Jesus, it’s high praise. It describes people who are open to wonder.
In one of his Angelus addresses, Pope Francis reflected on this remark by Jesus, and he asked his audience a pointed question: “Do we know how to marvel at the things of God?”
Well. That should stop us in our tracks. Are we capable of awe? I’m not talking about posting pictures of rainbows on Instagram.
How about marveling at generosity? Tenderness? Mercy? Humility?
Do we marvel at the human capacity to love?
Jesus suggests that to be childlike carries with it a dash of innocence and, I think, joy—the kind of joy that is delighted to discover something new and “of God” every day.
Marvels surround us.
Do we notice them?
Sorry about typos fat fingers and small phone. Padre Pio's reading for today. I will share. "Too much fear makes one labor without love, and too much confidence prevents us from considering the dangers which we must overcome. The one must go hand in hand with the other and proceed as sisters." Ken
Great reflection from Padre Pio this morning, Ken. If we live in fear, our hearts close up and we can’t live and love in freedom. Loved your sharing the fawn sighting this am. So much of God’s beauty right in front of us. I’m so blessed to be able to enjoy the bunnies and butterflies with my grandchildren. Their childlike joy always rubs off on me. Thank you, Lord Jesus
Praying right Victor's soul an fohis family right now. Feedmore today. Fawns and mother frolic in my backyard. Two Fawns acting childish. May I develop a childlike awe of the Lord. Ken
Ken, you are right! *** Childish Vs childlike! *** Childish - NO! That'mine! I don't want to! Make me! *** Childlike - Wow! Show me! That's amazing!
Yesterday and today covers my whole spectrum. Needing more help as I age and becoming more childlike. May the Lord my God show me the exact path!
This monthI I started reading LF-Kids. And I refer to a children’s Bible when a verse is perplexing. Try it, you’ll like it. It’s revealing.
Tha's why I use NIrV (New International Reader Version) reading level of third grade!!!
Thank you Deacon Greg for sharing this with us today. Frequently we are moving so fast that we miss the moments of awe in our da. My hope for today is that I discover something new and “of God” today and am able to offer that grace up to the Lord. Slowly re-entering work now and processing through the jet lag. Should be feeling much more normal by the weekend. Great trip. Praying for the repose of Victor’s soul and healing comfort to his family and friend who are mourning his loss. Also, loved the reflections yesterday on feeling older and needing more help from others. I also recognize my aging and inability to “go” or do the same things like I used to. Lifting all those who need a little help today. Amen.
Hi Jane, you’re cute saying about getting”older!” Seems like you’re keeping up very well with all that you do. Thank you for sharing your hopes and prayers with us.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, and all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Amen... thank you Deacon Greg...Jane, I never tire of your prayer... thanks for posting everyday... may Victor's soul Rest in peace
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*** Jesus tells us that the wise look but not see, listen but not understand in Matthew 13:10-13, "The disciples came to Him (Jesus). They asked, “Why do you use stories (parables) when you speak to the people?” He replied, “Because you have been given the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. It has not been given to outsiders. Everyone who has this kind of knowledge will be given more knowledge. In fact, they will have very much. If anyone doesn’t have this kind of knowledge, even what little they have will be taken away from them. Here is why I use stories when I speak to the people. I say, “They look, but they don’t really see. They listen, but they don’t really hear or understand." *** A childlike person will see and understand but a childish person will not in Matthew 13:34-35, "Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd using stories. He did not say anything to them without telling a story. So the words spoken by the prophet came true. He had said, “I will open my mouth and tell stories. I will speak about things that were hidden since the world was made.” (Psalm 78:2)" *** Here is what Paul tells us about wise people in this world in 1 Corinthians 3:18-20, "Don’t fool yourselves. Suppose some of you think you are wise by the standards of the world. Then you should become “fools” so that you can become wise. The wisdom of this world is foolish in God’s eyes. It is written, “God catches wise people in their own evil plans.” (Job 5:13) It is also written, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of wise people don’t amount to anything.” (Psalm 94:11)" ******* Being 'childlike' (wise) is to see and understand Who is in charge and Who is in control in Isaiah 10:24a, "The Lord rules over all!" Being 'childish' (foolish) is not to see and understand Who is in charge and Who is in control in Isaiah 10:15, "Does an ax claim to be more important than the person who swings it? Does a saw brag that it is better than the one who uses it? That would be like a stick swinging the person who picks it up! It would be like a war club waving the one who carries it!"