7/19/2023 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reading: Matthew 11:25-27
25 At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, 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.
26 Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will.
27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
7/19/2023 (Wednesday) Today’s gospel reflection: Matthew 11:25-27
People who consider themselves as wise and learned rarely learn from others. Their arrogance and pride hinder revelations of the Spirit. On the other hand, those who have childlike attitude of trust, dependence and humility have an easier way to acquire wisdom and knowledge. That is why in Matthew 18:3, Jesus gave a stern warning. “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Moreover, in Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
It is therefore necessary to have attitude of “I don’t know many things. Please tell me more.” Rather than “I already know that. I wasn’t born yesterday. Been there, done that.” Indeed, humility brings us closer to God but pride and arrogance lead us away from Him, the true source of knowledge and wisdom. It pace to be teachable. Even the Greek philosopher Socrates admits the virtue of humility by saying “For I was conscious that I knew practically nothing.”