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Childlike joy, wonder and trust are models for the kingdom of God

Readings for Oct. 5-6, Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Fr. Jack Treloar, SJ | For On Mission

The longer version of this week’s Gospel reading includes what appear to be two very disparate occurrences in the public life of Jesus. 

The first shows us Jesus’ adversaries trying to confuse him concerning the matter of marriage. The discussion centers on matters of rules and regulations. 

The second indicates the way of life necessary for entry into the kingdom of God. This conversation emphasizes a positive approach to life above and beyond laws and obligations. The “adult’s” way is restrictive; the “child’s” way is completely open.

Jesus says, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” What is it about children that merits entry into the kingdom of God? 

If a person has had even a little experience with children one knows that they can sometimes be selfish, petulant and even brutal toward each other and even adults. Underneath their sometimes “childish” behavior resides many qualities of openness. Children are often joyful, filled with wonder and trusting. It is qualities such as these that make them models for access to the kingdom of God.

If one has ever been around children playing with each other, one knows how much they appreciate each other. They share thoughts, actions and even words of joy. They grasp the value of another’s presence. They want to spread their happiness to others. If a friend has a new toy they rejoice with that friend. They express their joy in making noises of appreciation and pleasure. Sometimes it becomes quite a ruckus. But, if one of them gets hurt, they are concerned about their friend.

Most adults who have been with children know that they are filled with questions. “Why is the sky blue?” “Why do we mow the lawn?” “Why does that old man walk so slow?” All of these questions indicate an underlying wonder concerning the world around them. Everything is always new, interesting and challenging.

Finally, a child is filled with trust. In a good home, the child knows that it is safe. Mom and Dad will take care of them. They appreciate the people who love them. A child understands that his/her life is dependent on others who will see that no harm comes their way.

Jesus is not suggesting that we return to childhood in order to enter the kingdom of God. He is instructing us to assume some of the attitudes of children as our way of life. These attitudes are joy, wonder and trust. We have all been in the presence of people who manifest these attitudes and it is a pleasure to be with them. 

The person with a smile brings light to a room. The person who is always interested in new things brings others along in their wonder at something new. The person who knows how to trust other human beings points the way for others to learn how to trust God.

This brief passage shows us that the kingdom of God is not all about rules and regulations, but rather about joy, wonder and trust.

Fr. Treloar, an assistant director at Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, has served as a professor, lecturer, author and academic administrator. The readings for Sunday, Oct. 6, can be found at Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB.

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