First Tuesday of Advent

I give you praise, 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.

There is a vast difference between being childish and childlike. When we let pride, envy, wrath, and the other deadly sins take over our thoughts, words, and works we are childish and self-centered. We place our trust in our own knowledge and wisdom and the hidden truths of the world, the ones which would lead us to the Truth remain lost in the darkness of our self-conceit. However, if we are childlike and place our faith in our Heavenly Father above all, then the Way, the Truth and the Life will be revealed to us. We shall be worthy of being called the sons and daughters of God and the true heirs to His Kingdom.

How often do we allow our childish self-interests get in the way of being a childlike follower of Christ? What truths have we blinded ourselves to by relying upon our reason alone and not faith and reason hand-in-hand? How can we reclaim our childlike simplicity and live a life of love in imitation of our Father?

O Lord, grant us a childlike confidence in you. Never let our childish impulses led us from your Pierced Side. Give us the strength to cling to you in a world where we are constantly encouraged to cling to ourselves.

Amen.