Will you trust God wholeheartedly?
The 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time invites us to reflect on the nature of faith.
Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel, “Let the children come to me; do not prevent
them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” are a powerful reminder
of the qualities that define a faithful follower of Christ. Jesus invites us to return to
a child’s simple, trusting spirit, which in adulthood is often marred by doubt and
skepticism. Jesus emphasizes that in order to receive the Kingdom of God, we
must have a childlike disposition and approach the world with wonder and joy.
He calls us to relinquish our need for control and certainty, and trust in God’s love
and wisdom. This simple yet profound faith allows us to experience the richness
of God’s grace in our lives.
October, notably the month of the Rosary, beautifully coincides with this
theme of simplicity and trust. The story of the three children at Fatima, Lucia,
Francisco, and Jacinta, who received messages from the Blessed Virgin Mary,
illustrates how God speaks to the hearts of the innocent. These children
responded with unwavering faith, embodying the qualities Jesus extols in today’s
Gospel. Their openness to the divine message, despite the challenges they
faced, is a fascinating example for us all. Gathering as a family to pray the
Rosary is an opportunity to cultivate this childlike faith. Prayer not only
strengthens our relationship with God but also fosters a sense of unity within our
families, creating an environment where trust in God can flourish, allowing us to
share our joys, concerns, and hopes.
As we reflect on the gift of life, which God bestowed upon us from
conception until our last breath, we are reminded of its sacredness. By viewing
life through the lens of gratitude and awe, we can find joy in ordinary moments
and recognize the divine presence in our everyday experiences. Moreover,
accepting the Kingdom of God like a child emphasizes the importance of our faith
community. Just as children thrive in nurturing environments, so do we need the
support of our faith community to grow spiritually.
Dear brothers and sisters, as we meditate on this Sunday’s message, let us
ask ourselves how to embody the virtues of childlike faith. Are we willing to trust
God wholeheartedly? Can we embrace the simplicity of love and joy in our daily
lives? Let us turn to Mother Mary, our guide and intercessor, and ask her to help
us approach Jesus with innocence and openness. May we echo the plea for her
intercession, asking her to pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Through
her guidance, we can strive to live each day with the heart of a child, fully
embracing the Kingdom of God.Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor.