Take Me, O Lord, Your Child
‘I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven’, Jesus said – Matthew 18:2.
Why does the Kingdom of heaven belong to children? What does it mean for an adult to be child-like? Does Jesus have a preference for children that he evens admonishes his disciples to be like them?
At Sunday Mass, I was curiously incited by the sight of a cuddly and tiny bunch of primary school kids literally skipping up to receive Holy Communion. But then, I became exasperated and wondered to myself, why did the catechism teachers not teach them decorum in the liturgical order? Arent we supposed to keep in line, maintain a reverent posture and bow before Christ?
Then as I was praying, I was filled with a simplicity in a joy and understanding I had never experienced before.
Subsequently, I realized these kids were skipping toward Christ – they were skipping in innocence and a general sense of joy that is innate in a kid’s physiological portrayal of self and in their psychological temperaments.
Over the years, i have thus realised that being child-like means removing my pride, with no more pretences of decorum, etiquette, and self-consciousness. For pride is not from the heart of God; and it was pride that caused Satan to fall. Being child-like means having the courage and humility to stand naked before God, trusting and allowing Him to see every cranny of my soul.
Today, at Tanjung Balai, which is situated on the Karimun Islands of Indonesia (a 90-minute ferry ride away from Harbourfront), this child-like spirit of joy, innocence and being carefree manifested itself in the school kids at Balai, where we were to recce for the upcoming mission trip in June 2006.
These kids need not elaborate or expensive toys, an Xbox, Barbie dolls, or Lego to smile and turn their typical day at school into an adventure filled with fun and laughter. All I gave them was my time and attention, as I hoisted the boys high into the air and let them hang mid-air for a split second before catching them under their armpits, one by one; while Angie spoke to the girls and was uncontrollably camera-trigger-happy - there and then, amidst the dusty school courtyard, a strong and common bond of friendship was forged spontaneously.
Why does the Kingdom of heaven belong to children? What does it mean for an adult to be child-like? Does Jesus have a preference for children that he evens admonishes his disciples to be like them?
At Sunday Mass, I was curiously incited by the sight of a cuddly and tiny bunch of primary school kids literally skipping up to receive Holy Communion. But then, I became exasperated and wondered to myself, why did the catechism teachers not teach them decorum in the liturgical order? Arent we supposed to keep in line, maintain a reverent posture and bow before Christ?
Then as I was praying, I was filled with a simplicity in a joy and understanding I had never experienced before.
Subsequently, I realized these kids were skipping toward Christ – they were skipping in innocence and a general sense of joy that is innate in a kid’s physiological portrayal of self and in their psychological temperaments.
Over the years, i have thus realised that being child-like means removing my pride, with no more pretences of decorum, etiquette, and self-consciousness. For pride is not from the heart of God; and it was pride that caused Satan to fall. Being child-like means having the courage and humility to stand naked before God, trusting and allowing Him to see every cranny of my soul.
Today, at Tanjung Balai, which is situated on the Karimun Islands of Indonesia (a 90-minute ferry ride away from Harbourfront), this child-like spirit of joy, innocence and being carefree manifested itself in the school kids at Balai, where we were to recce for the upcoming mission trip in June 2006.
These kids need not elaborate or expensive toys, an Xbox, Barbie dolls, or Lego to smile and turn their typical day at school into an adventure filled with fun and laughter. All I gave them was my time and attention, as I hoisted the boys high into the air and let them hang mid-air for a split second before catching them under their armpits, one by one; while Angie spoke to the girls and was uncontrollably camera-trigger-happy - there and then, amidst the dusty school courtyard, a strong and common bond of friendship was forged spontaneously.
The Kids: Prancing with fervency at Recess.
Truly, I was moved by the generosity of spirit emanating from these kids.
As these kids from Balai taught me how to be carefree, happy, and innocent – sometimes even naive – in Spirit and attitude, Lord I now come to you, a child.
You are my Father; I run to You.
-rhino 69-
posted by Rhino for God! at 1:38 AM
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