An Invite

Accept or Reject?

25 At that time Jesus said in reply,[a] “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. 26 Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. 27 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.-Matthew11:25-27

What are the ways of the wise and the learned? Some have become intellectually arrogant and stubborn. Others have closed their mind to new learning. Still others have become proud of the little or much learning they have. Jesus was a breath of fresh air during His time when He did the ministry. Like a sower scattering the seeds, He showered upon all - without partiality - what the kingdom of God is all about. However, just like the seeds that fell on different grounds, our response vary per person. What is our response to His invitation to change? What is our response to new learning?

Image courtesy: God's Not Dead

Child-like

We are children of God.

13 People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” 16 And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.-Mark10:13-16

We are all God's children. Once upon a time, we are little kids. We are easily satisfied and contented with what is given to us. Then, we grew up and lost that child-like gift God has blesses us with. Most people want to be the commander and captain of their own lives, and that no one will tell them what to do even God Himself. God is always reaching out to us, telling us to come home to Him. God is encouraging us to once more regain our child-like quality - loving Him, loving others, loving His creation.

Image courtesy: artist

God's Not Dead! He Lives Forever!

Blessed are they who open themselves to God.

21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”-Luke10:21-24

Blessed indeed are the eyes and ears that saw and heard Jesus during His active ministry. We still see and hear Him though obscurely and in faith. How I wish for the time when finally I would see clearly God's Presence through the grace of beatific vision.

Jesus pointed out that the childlike are the ones who easily see and believe in God, whereas the wise and the learned - the thinkers of this time - cannot easily accept Him. The knowledge of God will always be hidden to anyone who does not have a childlike heart. This knowledge is not difficult to gain because what is needed is simple openness, acceptance and understanding that God is alive and lives among us and is in us. Once we opened to this grace, the flood gate of knowledge is opened making us see and understand Him according to our capacity. Strange that thinkers would like to prove that God existed mathematically, scientifically and philosophically. But once proven that indeed He existed, the thinkers use the fact against Him.

I saw the movie "God's Not Dead" the other day and I was so touched by the many students, men and women who defended God, who stood by God, and bravely defied their professors and teachers who taught the opposite. Indeed, these students, men and women are God's instruments, warriors and in some way, present day "Martyrs." Yes, they shared the hardships and persecutions of the early Christians who bravely surrendered themselves for the Faith.

Are we brave enough to stand by God today?

Image courtesy: G. Dore (Paradiso) and 'God's Not Dead' movie