Unless you Change and Become like Children

 “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3)

The scripture reading this morning (Matthew 18:1-5, 10) brought to mind the exchange between Nicodemus and Jesus in John 3:3 “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again”. Nicodemus, who is a very learned man, then asked our Lord Jesus,  “How can someone be born when they are old? Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

The same is true in understanding what Jesus meant by changing and becoming like children. Gotquestions.com has this to say about it:

"Of course, children are easily fooled and led astray. In their artlessness they tend to miss the truth and be drawn to myths and fantasies. But that is not what is meant by having a childlike faith. Jesus promoted a humble, honest faith in God, and He used the innocence of a child as an example. Emulating the faith of children, we should simply take God at His Word. As children trust their earthly fathers, we should trust that our “Father in heaven [will] give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11)."

"The Bible never exhorts us to have “childlike” faith, at least not in so many words. In Matthew 18:2 Jesus says that we must “become as little children” in order to enter the kingdom of God. The context of Jesus’ statement is the disciples’ question, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (verse 1)."

"So, as the disciples focus on what constitutes “greatness” in heaven, Jesus provides a new perspective: the way “up” is “down.” Meekness is required (cf. Matthew 5:5). Jesus exhorts the disciples (and us) to seek to possess a childlike modesty in addition to their faith. Those who willingly take the lowest position are the greatest in heaven’s eyes. A young child is destitute of ambition, pride, and haughtiness and is therefore a good example for us. Children are characteristically humble and teachable. They aren’t prone to pride or hypocrisy. Humility is a virtue rewarded by God; as James says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10)."

In my meditation I also considered that the process of changing and thus becoming like children cannot happen without the knowledge of who God is and trusting that it is by His grace that we can get there.

This morning I also read Job 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5 which illustrated this teaching: after considerable suffering, when Job was faced with who God is, His Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence, he came to this conclusion:

“I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?
    I put my hand over my mouth.
I spoke once, but I have no answer—
    twice, but I will say no more.”

God knows me and He has provided me with means to receive the grace I need through sacraments and prayers (this month is the Month of the Holy Rosary), and with the help of the Holy Spirit and Angels (today is the Feast of the Guardian Angels!) and Saints.

"For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well." (Psalm 139:13-14)

Praise God!