The Faith of a Child

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” In today’s gospel reading (Matthew 18:1-5, 10) Jesus again uses a child as an example to teach the apostles. Jesus is asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And he replies a child. Children represent a pure innocence which lacks pride and ambition, the two greatest sins of man. A child believes unconditionally and does not suffer from doubt. Think of a young child 4 or 5 years old. They believe in God without question; they trust in God without doubt; they love without consideration for what others will give back; and most importantly, they humble themselves before the Lord. Children express the most sincere wonder and awe for God in Heaven. The Holy Spirit completely engulfs their soul making them the brightest light of all. Jesus goes on to say, “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” Receiving a child is an expression of love. Children reflect the innocence, purity and tenderness that were expressed by Jesus while he was on this earth and that which is further expressed by our Father in Heaven. Children represent the purity which we are called to be.

We are also warned by Jesus in today’s gospel, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.” Jesus tells us that the small defenseless child has extra protection from the angels. The angels serve as their body guard and their champion. If you do anything to hurt or corrupt one of these young children of God, their Guardian Angel will plead their case before God. However, each of us is also given an angel to protect us from evil and to help guide us through life. We too can call upon our guardian angel to not only help us when we are in trouble, but to help those in need. I remember one time talking with a very young child about being sick and not feeling well. That child offered me her guardian angel to help make me feel better. The purity and innocence of this offering from this young child is the same innocence of love that God expresses for all. To deny a child is to deny the love that God has created in that child becuase each child is not only innocent but a gift from God. . .

A Simple Prayer Lord God in Heaven Your love is pure and innocent like that of a young child Help me find that childlike wonder and awe that expresses my true love for you Send your angels to watch over me and protect me from evil.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon