People were bringing children to Jesus that he might touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this he became
indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not
prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Mark 10:13–14
Simplicity, trust, purity of intent, transparency, and resiliency
are all qualities that children often have by nature. They are not
yet capable of evil intent. They are quick to forgive and reconcile
when conflicts arise. And they have an unwavering confidence in the
care of their parents. These are among the qualities that we need
to imitate in our relationship with God.
It seems that as we age and as our human reason develops, we can
lose some of the important qualities we had as children. But when
it comes to our relationships with our loving God, we must never
lose the important childlike qualities that lead us to be
completely trusting and dependent upon God’s providence and
care.
Children are also weak in the sense that they are not able to care
for themselves. They rely completely upon the care of others,
especially parents. For that reason, a child is an ideal image of
how we must approach God. We must see our weakness and dependence.
We must know, with deep conviction, that we are incapable of caring
for ourselves. And though we may achieve a certain independence as
we age, being able to provide for ourselves materially, we will
never be able to provide for the interior spiritual needs we have.
For our spiritual needs, we remain completely dependent upon the
mercy of God. We must never forget that, at our core, we are
spiritual beings who long for true spiritual satisfaction. Material
or fleshly satisfactions that we can obtain by ourselves will never
suffice to fulfill us at the deepest level of who we are. God and
God alone is capable of this form of fulfillment.
Think about your own approach to life. Do you seek to find
fulfillment and satisfaction in life through your own efforts? Have
you attempted to take complete control of your present and future
happiness? Though it is essential that we act responsibly in life,
it must be understood that the most responsible way we can act is
by willfully turning over complete control of our lives to God’s
providence and care. As a child depends upon a parent, so we must
depend upon the grace of God.
Reflect, today, upon a child. Ponder, especially, how a child is
dependent upon others. As you do, see yourself similarly as one who
must become completely dependent upon God for all that is important
in life and for all that ultimately fulfills who you are. Trust in
God’s providence and mercy, and allow that childlike trust to place
you firmly in the arms of your Father in Heaven.
Loving Father, I turn to You in complete trust as a small child
turns to a loving parent. May I never become so self-sufficient
that I fool myself into thinking I am capable of finding my own
fulfillment in life. Instead, may I always see You as the one and
only source of true fulfillment and always trust in You alone.
Jesus, I trust in You.
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catholic-daily-reflections.com
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Featured image above: Christ Blessing Little Children by
Charles Lock Eastlake, via Wikimedia Commons
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