Finding Our Childlike Faith

Dear Friends,

Let the children come to me…whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a little child will not enter it (Luke 18.16 – 17).

Let the little ones come to me; do not prevent the, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these Amen, I say to you, whoever does not accept the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it (Mark 10 14 – 15).

Unless you become like a little child, you will not see the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven and whoever receives a child such as this in my name receives me (Matthew 18.3 – 5).      

In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls the children to Himself, and, apparently, they came. The children recognized Jesus for who he was – loveable, attractive and welcoming.

Today people have conflicting views of childhood. On the one hand, our culture has created a rich set of childhood possibilities for children to enjoy, ranging from Mr. Rogers, Disney World, SpongeBob SquarePants, to Barbie dolls, video adventures and games. We somehow believe that a happy childhood is a guarantee of a better future for people. Yet some of these very children, gifted with so much, become demanding teens, full of unfulfilled demands. Self-centeredness is a real danger.

Which child is Jesus talking about? The innocent one or the rebellious one? Actually, neither. The modern fantasies of our day did not exist in Jesus’ time. In drawing the child to himself, Jesus was comparing the adult person’s faith in God to the unspoiled child’s embrace of life.

Childlike faith requires an insatiable curiosity and wonder, questioning authority, scientific knowledge and the nature of things with that overarching question, “WHY?”

Children also have the courage to explore the unknown and confusing. They suffer injuries and embarrassment, yet they plunge on. True heroes. We do well to emulate the courage of the child, as we confront injustice, the powerlessness of the weak and the temptations that urge us to cut corners, or to accept power that dominates.

Endearingly, children put their complete trust in the people who love and care for them (until that trust is violated). They don’t know how to play games with their relationships. They are not calculating. Their commitment is total because trust is unwavering. In the best of all possible worlds, we see and honor all these characteristics in children, and if we are clear-eyed and uncompromising, we come to realize that the Christian faith requires that same unwavering commitment of a child.

 “Cynics have scorned religion for its childishness. They urge religious people to grow up and take responsibility for themselves. Sad to say, too many Christians are childish in their faith – avoiding responsibility and giving up freedom. But Christ does not call us to be childish in our faith. Rather, He calls us to be childlike – to be full of wonder at what God is doing in our midst, courageous and committed as children are.” (found in my notes; author unknown) Will you? Will I? Will we?

~Sister Joan Sobala