The story is told of the young parents bringing their newborn baby home and introducing the newborn to their toddler son. The little boy was curious and excited as the parents explained to him that this baby had come to them as a gift from God. The parents then put their two children to bed, set up the baby monitor, and moved to the living room to relax.
A few minutes later the parents heard through the baby monitor, a sound they recognised as their toddler entering the baby’s room, then the voice of the toddler, clearly speaking to the baby saying: “tell me what God is like, I think I’m beginning to forget”.
This is the heart of all human problems: We forget what God is like.
Now take a moment to re-read this verse from today’s Gospel and then I’ll explain what I mean.
“If you, then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
A wise child learns very early that the way to avoid punishment is to, quickly after the offence, apologise fully with sincere humility. A child who denies breaking the window and blames another is on the fast-track to punishment.
But the parent who receives a heart-felt apology from their child, immediately sets the offence aside and delights in the humble confession reaching out to embrace the child.
The same is true with God who, as Jesus reminds us, is much more loving and forgiving than the best of us even in our best moments.
I am delighted to be reminded of this. I know that I, sinful and unforgiving as I can be, if given charge of the gates of heaven for an hour, would throw them wide open, even to those who hate me and create problems for me.
Ok I admit that I would probably arrange for them to live in a part of heaven that was far from me, but I would not deny them admission if I were in control!
There would be some who would choose to not come in. I would leave them free, and not drag them in. But anyone who sought to live abundantly and eternally with God (and me) I would let in.
So how much more will God give good things now and eternally to those who ask him.
An Invitation:
- Take a moment, perhaps 30 seconds, to be still in silence. Without re-reading any part of the above reflection, become aware of any image, thought or feeling that came to you as you read. Whatever came to mind, trust that it was Jesus who brought that to mind for you and remind yourself of this part of the reflection as often as you remember over the next few hours.
- Thank you to all who take the time to add a comment to daily reflections. This is a great help to readers, and many people tell me that the brief comments of other readers is the main reason they come to the Food For Faith website. Thank you!
The innocence of children is so beautiful and their faith is inspiring.
I often think of how wonderful my heart feels when one of my children says sorry to me without being asked to; it makes me realise how happy God must feel and how he would want to embrace me if even I can feel like that towards my children
It is easier to recognize God’s love for us when as a parent we correct a child, not because their behaviour irritates us, but because the behaviour is preventing them from being a better person, a person we know they can be.
…but because the behaviour is preventing them from being a better person, ‘
What a wonderful way to think of disciplining children Catherine!
Thank you,
This brings to my mind the picture of Christ with John resting on His breast in a lovely
scene of peace and love.
This is for me too.
Our five children are grown up, only one still goes to church. I long for them to remember God. I know what you mean about wanting everyone through the gates of heaven but allowing those who choose not to to make their own choice. I don’t care if they like me or not, I too want them all through the gates.
“Mother Theresa. God has his own ways and means to work in the hearts of men, and we do not know how close they are to Him.
If the individual thinks and believes that this is the only way to God for her and him, this is the way God comes into their life.”
Life gives us amazing experience and knowledge, live and learn from children they are our best tutors.
I love it when my children text to say : l love you mum, have a great day. God the loving Father is in there.
Thank you Father for that beautiful reflection— as always. It instantly reminded me that God is infinite Love,Mercy, & Goodness. If we put our whole heart into prayer, He hears & He will will answer in his perfect timing. And be persistent. In that it my peace, my hope & my trust and the Lords delight.
All the way from the State of Colorado in the US of A…your shared wisdom is always deeply welcomed. Thank you for your faithfulness!!!
The picture of Holy innocence is where God wants us to be. So great is his unfathomable and merciful love, through the passion of Christ.
Jesus said He would not loose any one that the Father has given Him.
We must dump our baggage and move on, and make The Cross count, and let God restore our innocence,
This is a profound scripture. If I could love others I meet in my life with even only half the simple sincere and generous love I see myself showering on a young child or watch others showering on their grand children then my whole way of life would be different. Sadly that is not how I live, and yet Jesus tells us the father loves us in ways that even surpass our best and most noble concepts of love. Amazing