Like a Child

Jesus has a taunting task set up for his followers, and anyone wanting to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus tells us in the Gospel, “Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it."  We can take this in to many different directions, and at times (like scripture often does) will lead us to different answers.  Our place in life, the guidance we need, and the Will of God often dictates the message that we receive.  So, if we have to accept the kingdom of God like a child, then what does it mean to accept the kingdom of God like a Child.  

Think about it.

Children are often playful.

Children are often light hearted.

Children are often sincere

Children at times will take things at face value.

Children usually ask a lot of questions.

Children have rather large imaginations.

Children usually enjoy a good adventure

Children love to laugh

Children usually have a straightforward view on right and wrong.

These are just some of the things that stand out to me when I think about Children and the Kingdom of God, however the most important things that stands out to me is:

Children are willing to forgive, and Forget easily! This is something many of us adults have problems with.  For a Child an enemy today, can be a best friend tomorrow.  They don’t hold grudges like too many of us adults do.

Children are loving.  A child has the ability to care and show compassion beyond comprehension.  A child can’t always explain love, however they know how to show it.  Too often us as adults won’t lend a helping hand because we have been formed by social rules and proper educate.  Children don’t usually see race, gender, wealth, or riches.  They don’t looks at what someone has, but rather who they are.  This sadly to say is something many adults slip too often on.

If you would ask me what one word would I use to describe the Christian Faith, the Catholic Faith I would have to say that word would be “Love.”  Love is something that even as an adult I think I know what it is, I think I know how to live it, however I am still unable to completely describe it. Sometimes I struggle with this concept of “Love” and what the Kingdom of God looks like being formed and completed with “Love.”  But, a child seems to get it!

I also see in the story that Jesus’ Disciples, Grown Men, who have given up everything to follow Jesus started rebuking people for bring there children to Jesus, probably because they didn’t want to waste Jesus’ time.  This actually gives me hope.  If Jesus is willing to guide and teach those who should know his Way, his Truth, and his Love, then I believe that Jesus will guide us too, in Love.