for although you have hidden these things
from the wise and the learned
you have revealed them to the childlike.
[ Today's Readings ]
Jesus calls us to become like little children. He calls us to become like them in the best sense. Children display such profound trust in their parents. They don't fear the world caving in on them because they know their mom and dad won't let it happen. They don't need to worry about where their next meal comes from. Young children ought not be finding jobs in case their family cannot provide. Their is nothing which they contribute that makes the system run. Instead the return their love and hopefully their gratitude.
Children sometimes boast in themselves. But they often boast in their parents when they feel they have exhausted what they can boast in about themselves. When their own strength is obviously not enough they will boast in the strength of their fathers. We are called to take this to the extreme of Paul who says, "far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (see Galatians 6:14).
Assyria takes the other approach.
By my own power I have done it,
and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd.
I have moved the boundaries of peoples,
their treasures I have pillaged,
and, like a giant, I have put down the enthroned.
Because it takes the other approach it does not stand firm. There is leanness among the fat ones and instead of glory there is kindling. This is why children shouldn't try to run the show themselves. God is much better at being God than are we.
When we become like little children the Son reveals the Father to us. The more we allow him the more his providential care shapes our lives and fills us with peace and joy.
No one knows the Son except the Father,
and no one knows the Father except the Son
and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him
We learn that we can count on him. He will not abandon his people.
For the LORD will not cast off his people,
nor abandon his inheritance;
But judgment shall again be with justice,
and all the upright of heart shall follow it.
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