Daily Reflections - October 1, 2012

AS A SMALL CHILD

 

The saint whom the Church honors today, St. Therese, is a favorite of many. Affectionately known as “The Little Flower,” her spirituality is one that anyone can follow. The basic key is doing things with great love. Whatever we do, love dominates.

As a small child growing up in France, she was her family’s favorite. Her father lavished love upon her and since her mother died young, her sisters took it upon themselves to love and adore her. From a very early age, she was converted and her heart set upon being an oblation for the Lord.

In the Gospel, the disciples are arguing among themselves who is the greatest. In a culture where status is highly acclaimed and sought after, Jesus goes a different way. His way is humility, the way of a child. Therese’s writings focused on the way of a small child. One of her favorite analogies was that of the lift or elevator, a new invention in the 19th century. She said that just as one would go inside and be lifted up to another level, so too in the arms of Jesus are we lifted up into the loving embrace of the Father. Her vocation was to live in love.

When Jesus takes a child in His arms, the disciples must have been aghast. Children in Middle Eastern culture during Jesus’ time were seen as insignificant and of little value. They were submissive to the parents and were encouraged to remain hidden (that is, seen but not heard). For Jesus to convey to His disciples to become like a small child was a horrendous task for them. No one wants to be insignificant. But Jesus and Therese teach us the absolute value and significance there is in childhood. A child is totally dependent on his parents for nourishment, learning and developing his personhood. The Father wants us to depend on Him as a child does on his parents. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: Do I relate to God as a child relates to his father? Do I trust in Him and accept Him as my heavenly Father and Provider?

 

Father, through the intercession of St. Therese, help me to become like a child totally dependent and trusting in Your fatherly care. Thank You, Father, for Your love and support. Amen.