A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (11:25-27)
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.”
REFLECTION: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing,” – Socrates.
“The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know”. – Albert Einstein.
Today’s Gospel passage emphasizes, that true knowledge of God, comes through divine revelation, not intellectual expertise or worldly wisdom. Something that the Pharisees and the Scribes, during Jesus’ time believed they deserved, because they were scholarly learned.
This part of today’s Gospel passage, is right on point with a story I once read, of a master artist and his student: A celebrated artist, known for his intricate and profound paintings, struggled to create a piece capturing true divine love. He relied on complex symbolism and obscure knowledge, yet felt, his work lacked authenticity. His young student, a simple and kind individual, struggled with the master’s advanced techniques, but found joy in humbly serving and caring for others. One day, the student painted a simple portrait of a loving mother and child. The master, upon seeing it, was deeply moved, realizing that the student’s genuine love and pure heart, allowed him to convey a profound truth, that his own intellectual pursuits had missed.
This story illustrates how simple, childlike faith and humility, can open one’s heart to truths, that may remain hidden in those who rely solely on worldly wisdom and intellect. It highlights the idea, that understanding the deepest truths about God and His kingdom, often requires, letting go of pride, and embracing a humble posture, of openness and trust.
In our world, we honor individuals who are learned and wise. And rightly so. However, there are many different kinds of wisdom. There is “learned” wisdom, that comes from many years of study and learning. There is also, “street-wisdom”, that we learn in our ongoing encounters, with other human beings. And there is the spiritual wisdom, that we can learn daily, from the living Word of God. But do we take advantage of, and appreciate that gift from God, and give Him thanks, for the spiritual wisdom we receive, from His living Word, to help grow our relationship with Him?
ACTION FOR THE DAY: Today I invite to you be “child-like,” not childish. Jesus does not want us, to be childish. Jesus desires that we be “child-like.” So then, ask yourself – what are the qualities of children, that you wish to cultivate: innocence, trust, transparency? Or perhaps, it is the ability, to see beauty in the world? Or perhaps, the inner freedom to simply, “be who you are” or to be playful?
AUDIO REFLECTION:
