Today’s readings invite us to consider the surprising ways God reveals Himself. In the book of Isaiah, we encounter a powerful image of God's sovereignty over nations and rulers. Yet, amidst this powerful display, God's ultimate concern is for the humble and oppressed. This echoes the heart of today's Gospel, where Jesus praises His Father for revealing divine wisdom to the childlike.
It's a counterintuitive thought. In a world that often values power, intelligence, and experience, God chooses the simple, the innocent, and the trusting. Children, in their wonder and openness, embody this spirit. They approach the world without pretense, eager to learn and discover.
As families, we are called to embrace this childlike quality. It's in this spirit that we truly become receptive to God's grace. Think about the patience, forgiveness, and unconditional love that characterize a child's heart. These are virtues we strive for in our homes. They are the building blocks of strong, loving families.
I know a family where parents and children alike approach each other with the same trust and openness as a child. They share everything in common, allowing parents to access their children's emails and social media, and vice versa. When you visit their home, the whole family, including the teenage children, come and sit with you, engaging in meaningful conversation. The children are not just told what to do but also the reasons behind their actions.
In this family, I have seen disagreements met with patience, mistakes viewed as opportunities for growth, and love freely given and received. This is the type of family God desires for us—one built on trust, openness, understanding, and unconditional love.
Jesus, the perfect image of God, reveals the Father's love in its fullness. He invites us to come to Him as little children, trusting in His goodness and mercy. As families, let us follow His example. Let us create spaces where faith is nurtured, where questions are welcomed, and where wonder is encouraged.
Here are some practical ways to cultivate a childlike spirit within our families:
By embracing the childlike spirit, we open our hearts to the profound revelations of God's love. We become a family that reflects the Kingdom of God, where grace abounds and love prevails.
May God bless our families with the courage to approach Him with childlike faith and trust.
Father Pinto Paul C.S.C., ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1999, worked with tribal populations in northeast India as a missionary for ten years. In 2010 he came to the US for further studies. While working as a campus minister at Stonehill College, he assisted pastors in local parishes, led seminars and workshops for teachers and students in the US and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Boston College and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Lesley University, Cambridge. He is currently working as the International Director of the Boston-based Holy Cross Family Ministries with missions in 18 countries.
.jpg "Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.")