Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Like children we must be curious and trusting: Daily Mass Homily--Wednesday, July 17th, 2013


            I love summer, even this hot and sticky weather.  Though I do find myself missing something during these summer months—something I wouldn’t have guessed last summer—the children at school.  Working with our elementary students has been nothing short of a blessing for my priesthood.  Their innocence, zeal, honesty and unconditional love are refreshing on a daily basis.
            Jesus frequently uses children as an image in teaching.  Today he says, “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.”  I have seen first hand how a child’s faith is often greater than an adult’s.  Some of the smartest men and women are atheists (i.e. Stephen Hawking).  Many theologians and scripture scholars in the academic world have lost their faith.
            Of all the qualities we should emulate in children, two stand out today.  The first is curiosity.  Children always ask questions and desire to learn, even in issues that are not politically correct or those which we adults often shy away.  They want to know about everything around them.  The second is trust.  As a priest, I don’t need to convince them of my credentials as a priest or show them my academic degrees.  They believe what I teach them about God, the Church and life.
            Moses exemplified the qualities of curiosity and trust as a child would.  When he saw the burning bush he did not say, “There must be some scientific explanation for this,” or, “I must be hallucinating.”  In childlike wonder he said to himself, “I must go over to look at this remarkable sight, and see why the bush is not burned.”  When God spoke Moses trusted.  He didn’t question if he was dehydrated and hearing voices—he believed.
            Foster curiosity about God, the Church and your vocation.  Ask questions, seek answers and then trust in God and His Church in their reply.

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