DAILY GRACE
July 15, 2020, Wednesday of the Fifteenth Week of Ordinary Time
Scripture: Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meditation
“[You] . . . have revealed them to infants. . . .”
Today’s Gospel passage is consoling. It speaks to those of us who may feel that living the Christian life is beyond our ability. With a myriad of Scripture commentaries available and an even greater array of books and Web articles on prayer, the path to union with God can seem downright intimidating and overwhelming.
But Jesus is telling us that exactly the opposite is true. He’s giving us the Good News that the way to God is actually uncomplicated. It’s not restricted to the educated and elite. It’s for everyone. It’s for you and me. The only prerequisite for the journey is a spirit of childlike simplicity.
Jesus tells us that the Father has handed everything over to him. Jesus is the one who chooses those to whom he wishes to reveal his Father. And he’s chosen to make this tremendous revelation to us! Isn’t it a relief to know that we don’t need a master’s degree in theology or Bible to really get to know and love him, his Father, and the Spirit? All we need is an open and trusting heart —- one that yearns to receive God’s “Yes,” that is, divine light and love.
The Father has been gracious enough to reveal the Son to us, sending him to live among us and providing us with the Gospels, the Church, and the lived examples and teachings of the faithful down through time. Jesus has revealed his Father to each of us through his every action and word. Let’s praise the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit today for the gift of divine revelation. Let’s rejoice in the humility and simplicity of spirit that opens us up to God.
Prayer
Lord, it is indeed comforting to know that you never expect more of us than we have to give. You ask us to come before you and the Father as children — expectant and trusting. Help us to be childlike in spirit. Show us that the way of simplicity and confidence is also the way to divine knowledge and grace.
Contemplation
May I be open. May I trust.