The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Junmar Maestrado SVD – Varone, Italy
Tuesday 19th Week in Ordinary Time
I have heard so many times the expression ‘‘para ka namang bata” (you are like a child). But is it not what Jesus is telling us in today’s Gospel, for us to become like a little child?
Before dwelling on this question we have to clearly define this expression. Two words will help us understand: childish and childlike.
Childish is about behaving like a child even if you are already an adult – e.g. insisting on not doing something or not listening to what parents are trying to convey to you.
Being childlike describes the positive trait of a child, one who is simple, humble, easy to please, and not complicated.
All of us are invited to be like a child. We don’t need to become children again like those who were welcomed by Jesus to come near to him.
We only have to have the attitude within us that is childlike. We also see to it that we do not despise other people for they are also children who are loved and favored by God.
