Posted by The WORD in other words (2019) by Father Samuel Clarin SVD – Holy Name University, Tagbilaran, Bohol
Tuesday 19th Week in Ordinary Time
Where does true greatness lie? In today s Gospel, Jesus says: “Amen I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” What is it in the child that Jesus wants us to be if we want to be great in the kingdom of heaven? The answer can be found in the word child itself.
C — stands for childlikeness and not childishness. To be childish is to display silly and immature behavior. To be childlike is to be transparent and guileless.
H — stands for Humility. Children fight but in no time at all they can walk hand in hand. The willingness to forgive and forget is the mark of a humble person.
I — stands for innocence and not ignorance. Innocence is not knowing from lack of experience; ignorance is not knowing despite the experience.
L — stands for loving or lovable. Despite being even smelly the child is it is still lovable. Despite our sinfulness, God constantly extends His love for us. We can still be great in His kingdom.
D — stands for dependency. A child always depends on its parents. For us Christians, total dependence on God as our loving and forgiving Father/Mother should be strengthened.
God continues to search for these characteristics of a child in us for us to be saved. May we constantly be open to His overflowing grace that we may become truly great in His kingdom.
One comment