Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Jesus winks at us in today’s Gospel reading, giving us a hint that the ones who understand God’s Kingdom best are the childlike. What a playful paradox! We are accustomed to the adults being the ones who have the answers and the solutions; we laud the experts as being the wise ones. But according to Jesus, it’s the kids who have it all figured out! Today, let us tap into our inner child and discover a fresh take on what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Think about children you know and the characteristics of children. Here are a few that come to my mind. Playful, inquisitive, curious, sponge-like as learners, trusting, innocent, awed by the world around them, spontaneous, loving, kind, generous, silly, inclusive, humble, easily “wowed” by simple things, open and receptive to others and to learning new things. What else would you add to the list? Children who are raised in a safe environment typically are also comfortable in their own skin and live authentically who they are. As you think on these characteristics of typical children, which ones most resonate with you? Why do you think those particular attributes grabbed your attention?
I wonder if a simple spiritual exercise might be to take those childlike characteristics that most resonate with you and live into them more fully today. For example, if “awe” and “spontaneity” are your words for today, practice going through your day with a sense of awe and wonder at God’s creation, at those around you, and even at yourself. Allow yourself to be spontaneous in some way today, not only for fun but as a spiritual discipline! You get the idea – using what most resonates with you, allow the Holy Spirit to coax your inner child out to play today. How might being a bit more childlike lead you to growth today as a disciple of Jesus? Children love to have fun! Have fun today being a little more like a kid for Christ. It might just be contagious – let your playfulness invite others to have fun releasing their own inner child today. May God bless us with fun, freedom, and revelation today in the power of the Spirit, and may we come to know God more intimately!
- Elizabeth Wourms