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TODAY’S WORD…

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Jesus said,

“I tell you solemnly,

unless you change and become like little children

you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

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– Matthew 18:3 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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Our Lord wants us to be like little children

because…

children are incapable of hating anyone

and are totally innocent of vice,

particularly of pride, which is the worst vice of all.

Besides, children are full of trust for those who love them.

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But let us not be mistaken,

spiritual childhood is not about being weak, soft or ignorant,

rather, when practised by an adult, it involves resilience,

and it demands a strong will,

proven maturity,

and an open and firm character.

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Humility is one of the main pillars of the Christian life

and Jesus rejoices

when He sees humble people

trusting and accepting the Word of God.

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It is such humble trust and acceptance

that leads towards knowing God,

and to the resultant inner joy and peace.

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QUOTES…

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“If you ask me what is the essential thing

in the religion and discipline of Jesus Christ,

I shall reply: first humility, second humility and third humility”

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– St. Augustine

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“To become children

we must renounce our pride and self-sufficiency,

recognising that we can do nothing by ourselves.

We must realise that we need grace,

and the help of God our Father

to find our way and keep it.

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To be little,

you have to abandon yourself as children do,

believe as children,

beg as children beg”

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– St. Josemaria Escriva

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PRAYER…

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Abba, make me like a child,

give me humility

which realises ignorance,

admits mistakes,

recognises needs,

welcomes advice,

accepts rebuke.

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O Father, help me always be full of Your joy,

expressing Christian praise rather than criticism,
being sympathetic rather than discouraging;

building for Your Kingdom rather than destroying;
and seeing You in others rather than rejecting them.
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For this I pray with all my heart.
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Amen.

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[Source: adaptation of a prayer by William Barclay]

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Father, remove my pride and make me humble.

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YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

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[…] a humble and trusting heart … enables us to turn and become like children:

for it is to “little children” that the Father is revealed.

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“Our Father: at this name love is aroused in us …

and the confidence of obtaining what we are about to ask. …

What would He not give to His children who ask,

since He has already granted them the gift of being His children?”[St Augustine]

[CCC 2785]

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