Mt 11:25-27
At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. 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.
Grace of Curiosity: Embrace a childlike wonder for the world around you and actively seek to learn more about your faith.
Open Hearts, Open Minds: A Reflection
In this beautiful passage from Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus offers a profound message about approaching faith with an open heart and a teachable mind. He acknowledges God’s wisdom, hidden not behind complexity, but from those who believe themselves wise in their own eyes. Here, “the wise and the learned” represent those who might rely solely on intellect or worldly knowledge.
Instead, Jesus emphasizes the importance of childlike faith. Children approach the world with a sense of wonder and openness. They are curious, eager to learn, and unburdened by preconceived notions. This childlike receptivity is what allows them to grasp the true essence of God’s message.
There’s a beautiful invitation here for all of us. We are called to shed the weight of cynicism, intellectual pride, or past experiences that might cloud our understanding. Instead, we are encouraged to approach God with a beginner’s mind, filled with awe and a thirst for knowledge.
This doesn’t diminish the value of reason or learning. But it reminds us that true faith comes from a place of humility and openness. It’s about recognizing the limitations of our own understanding and embracing the mystery of the divine.
The passage continues with Jesus highlighting the unique relationship between him and the Father. No one can fully grasp the nature of God except for Jesus himself, and those to whom he chooses to reveal it. This reinforces the importance of Jesus’ teachings and his role as the bridge between humanity and God.
So, how can we cultivate this childlike faith in our daily lives? Here are a few thoughts:
- Practice gratitude: Reflect on the wonders of the world around you, big and small. A grateful heart is a receptive heart.
- Embrace curiosity: Ask questions, explore different spiritual practices, and be open to new perspectives.
- Let go of ego: We don’t need to have all the answers. True understanding comes from a place of humility.
- Seek connection: Surround yourself with those who share your spiritual journey and can support your growth.
Remember, faith is a lifelong journey. By approaching it with a childlike openness and a teachable spirit, we can unlock a deeper connection with the divine and experience the joy of God’s wondrous presence in our lives.
Challenge to Self-Reflection: Consider your own approach to faith. Are you approaching it with an open mind and a sense of wonder, or are you relying on past knowledge or preconceived notions?
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post