Word to the Wise
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 - Wednesday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
[Isa 10:5-7, 13b-16 and Matt 11:25-27]"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. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will."
Jesus began his ministry with a small group of disciples in a rural part of Israel. These disciples were not from the educated or wealthy classes. They were, however, open to what he had to say. They were unencumbered by educational or economic prejudices. For example, the Pharisees could not believe that a "prophet" could come from Galilee because all their traditions took a different view. The wealthy had a hard time because they believed their wealth was a blessing from God and Jesus told them it was an obstacle to their faith!
Jesus' prayer in the gospel passage today praises those who are child-like, not those who are childish! The big challenge in the Gospel of Matthew is whether we accept Jesus or reject him. Our secular culture exercises considerable influence over this acceptance/rejection. Jesus' prayer challenges us to know ourselves and how our cultural, educational, economic or other prejudices can be an obstacle to accepting him. This challenge requires a great deal of self-honesty and love. How can we be more "open?" How can we be more "child-like" and less "childish?" It won't happen overnight, but we can take the first steps! AMEN