Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-5)
BECOME LIKE CHILDREN: Jesus was drawn to children. Today’s Gospel is not the only time that Jesus points out the virtues of being a child.
What is it about being childlike that could help us enter into the Kingdom of God?
Three things jump out to me:
First, little children exude joy, excitement, and enthusiasm. They see everything with wide-eyed wonder; everything is new and exciting. There is no such thing as “glass half-full” with young children – the glass is always overflowing.
That’s what Jesus wants of us. What if we approached Jesus and our faith with that type of joy and wonder?
Second, young children don’t take things for granted; they appreciate what they have. Give a child a present, and they will play with the wrapping paper and box for hours. Things don’t get old for them. They can do the same thing over and over again and they approach it each time with the same joy. Have you ever played peek-a-boo with a child just once?
As we grow older, we tend to take things for granted. We lose sight of the many blessings in our lives. We often operate with a “What have you done for me lately?” attitude. Mass and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, become habits, things to check off the to-do list. Jesus wants us to appreciate all we have and approach the Eucharist with the wide-eyed wonder and awe of a child.
Third, children love unconditionally and without judgment. They just do. Have you ever seen a two-year-old hold a grudge?
That’s what Jesus was talking about. That’s why He wants us to be like little children. Those are the qualities that will allow us to grow closer to Him.
It is our job to capture that childlike spirit, nurture it and allow it to grow strong in our hearts.
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