In today’s Gospel reading we have two statements from Jesus about the things of God being revealed, firstly to infants, and secondly, to whom the Son chooses to reveal the Father.

What is it then about children that Jesus suggests in the first statement that makes them receptive to God? Let me tell you a story. One of my most precious memories of my grandson Will was the first time I had to put him to bed at night. He was about eighteen months old. I read him some stories in the rocking chair next to his bed. Then I dimmed the lights and softly sang him some Dutch nursery rhymes until he was asleep. His trusting, sleeping body snuggled in my lap spoke loudly to me of the pure trust, love and peace Will had for his Opa (Dutch for grandfather) – all qualities Jesus invites us to have in our relationship with God.

I would suggest that Jesus, again, in the second statement, invites us to have these same childlike qualities. Qualities which are essential if we are to be able to open our hearts and lives to God’s revelation. As human beings, we can tend to make things a little too complicated – the knowledge of our minds can dwarf the warmth and love in our hearts, even in relation to God.

May we be like little children and grow in our absolute trust and confidence in God for all aspects of our lives.

By Michael Bruynesteyn