Faith like a Child – June 17
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 119:97-120; PM Psalm 81, 82; Num. 11:24-33 (34-35); Rom. 1:28-2:11; Matt. 18:1-9
This summer, our 20-year-old nephew, Will, has come to live with us as he interns at a local bank. Having Will stay with us has been a whole lot of fun, not only for Anne and me, but our children as well. Watching our oldest son act almost as if he has an older brother for the first time, and maybe Will having younger siblings is pretty interesting. Will looked at our son yesterday and said, “Jack, this is primetime for you. My dad always said the best time to be alive is between the ages of 6-10. It’s all fun all the time and no responsibility!” I would have said Will’s age of the early 20s was more fun, but his comment has me considering the alternative.
What is it that often makes those adolescent years so much fun? I wonder if it is the curiosity with which one embraces life. Or maybe the persistent asking of why while having a hopeful optimism that all shall be well. I am sure not every child’s experience is beautiful, but I suspect the odds are in their favor that time and experience hasn’t worn them down too much. There is often a beautiful faith in the parent to be able to fix just about anything. Later that concept is shattered when we realize our parents are just as clueless as we are at their age, but the child has yet to realize that.
Maybe, it is with some of these same thoughts, that the author of Matthew’s Gospel shares the story of Jesus reminding the disciples to have faith like a child. “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” What is it about children that set them apart from adults? Is it their faith mixed with a general curiosity about everything else?
I keep watching a natural posturing of defensiveness in our current climate of common life in the world. Maybe it’s not unique to the craziness of 2020 but is an attribute to adulthood. We have gone through a lot to get to the place where we are, so we ought to know something! But children approach things (usually and on a good day) with curiosity. They are open to learning something new. Maybe our Gospel for today is an invitation to consider that we might not know it all, that we are called to have a posture of curiosity, so that we might always be open to learn something new. And if you also think the 20s are the best, then the best is yet to come.
— John+
Questions for Self-Reflection
What ideas or thoughts did you have as a child that haven’t panned out as you thought they would?
Where does the wisdom you have gained from life-experience get in the way of living a faithful life?
Daily Challenge
Think of the concerns that are most pressing to you today. Craft a response of wisdom that you imagine an eight-year-old offering.