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.
No comments:
Post a Comment