Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Mighty Praise

At that time Jesus exclaimed: "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." Matthew 11:25-27

Reflection:

What is the first thing we read in this Gospel today? Jesus' exclamation. He first of all gives praise to His Father. He tells us that the Father has hidden these things from the wise and the learned, and revealed them to the childlike. Why is that! Is it because the understanding of the wise and learned cannot comprehend the simple. Just as the simple cannot comprehend the words of the wise and learned. It's beyond either of them. Yet God is revealed to those who are childlike.

But what is it to be childlike? It is not acting like a child, immature in our actions. But if we can recall when we were children, what was it that struck you the most in your memory of being a child. It was not just the trust, it was the simplicity that a child lives. Their minds are not filled with clutter, as we the adults have filled ours. A child questions, a child trusts blindingly, a child does not worry.

Then we read of no one knowing the Father except the Son, and no one knows the Son except the Father, unless Jesus wishes to reveal the Father to anyone whom he chooses. We would all love to be the one whom Jesus chooses to reveal the Father to. Or the one whom the Father reveals Jesus to us. When we look at each other, and see the many different faces we encounter, we find it hard to understand that we are made in God's image. Yet we are. Jesus has gone to great lengths to teach us this. When we encounter a kind person, you see Jesus. How they imitate our Lord for us to see. I could go on with more, but I will give this one thought, when you see eyes full of love for all, then God has shown you his love through them.


I praise you Oh God, for you are Lord of heaven and earth.

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