Childlike Trust
“’Amen, I say to you. Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.’ Then he embraced the children and blessed them.” (Mark 10:15-16)
“’Amen, I say to you. Whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it.’ Then he embraced the children and blessed them.” (Mark 10:15-16)
Jesus calls us to be childlike in today’s Gospel. One of my favorite memories of my childhood was with Fr. Gil Wohler, OFM, a priest that was a family friend. He was in seminary with my great uncle for a short period and got to know my family well.
I couldn’t have been older than about five and I was barely aware that this man whose shirt had a “weird hood” was a Catholic priest. He visited as we were at my grandparents’ house, and I excitedly showed him a new game I had gotten for Christmas. Looking back now, I’m sure it was not interesting for him, but he put every ounce of his focus into me and what I was sharing. I sat with him for what felt like hours, and he never made me feel like I was detracting from his time with my family. He continued to come around as he was able, but that slowed down as he got older and sick before his death. I wish I could sit down with him now that I am grown and truly living out my faith.
God is the same way. He never tires of us approaching with the innocence and love of a child and, in fact, encourages it. Approach him with everything- your hopes, dreams, thoughts, joys, fears, difficulties, etc. Depend on him for everything. We do not earn our identities as sons and daughters. We do not work our way into heaven. Remember God and his grace in all things.
How can I better depend on the Lord with childlike trust?
From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You, deliver me, Jesus. Amen. (Litany of Trust)
Brittany DeHaan grew up in San Antonio, Texas and attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for college. She taught at a Catholic elementary school in Iowa for a year before moving to Florida in 2021. She taught at St. Paul Catholic School in St. Petersburg for two years before joining the pastoral center where she is currently the Communications Coordinator. She is passionate about her faith and loves to be involved in the diocese. She loves music, art, playing sports, and livestreaming GeoGuessr in her free time.
To sign up to receive the Be Courageous Daily Reflections to your inbox, click the link below.
