Childlike Humility

The 21st day of May in the year of Our Lord, 2024

Gospel

Mark 9:30-3

30 And he taught his disciples, and said to them: The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise again the third day.

31 But they understood not the word, and they were afraid to ask him. 32 And they came to Capharnaum. And when they were in the house, he asked them: What did you treat of in the way? 33 But they held their peace, for in the way they had disputed among themselves, which of them should be the greatest.

I think it is striking Jesus so often emphasized children, and especially the childlike faith. Saint Faustina Kowalska comes to mind. Much like Saint Therese of Lisieux, whose memorial is close to hers on the calendar. They were both humble women, with a child-like innocence. Saint Faustina experienced great hardship because she was simply thought to be too unintelligent, ignorant and lowly to receive messages and visions from God. Bernadette Soubirous is another who comes to mind that would fit this category. Even Saint Hildegard von Bingen complained that she lacked the education and intellect to convey God’s messages, although she became one of the most enlightened and insightful women in Christian history.

This childlike humility that God love loves and favors is not restricted to female saints. Many of the greatest male saints have been equally humble and unassuming. Of course, the first that come to mind is Moses, who pleaded with God not to make him a prophet because he was not eloquent and may have had a speech impediment. But, the history of our Church is full of stories of great saints who sought the lowest positions they could find - cooks, gardeners, greeters and ushers, hermits, those who left wealthy families to care for lepers and outcasts, etc., fully embracing humility and service… far too many to begin to list!

For many children, helping others is somewhat of a natural instinct. Of course, a lot depends on how they are raised. A child to whom love is shown and who is taught to be loving and helpful will generally mimic such behavior. For those who are abandoned or abused, have experienced damage in the womb from drug and alcohol abuse, or who are simply raised by unfit parents, learning such compassion can be a struggle. I have known children who displayed sociopathic behaviors at a very young age - both had mothers who abused drugs and alcohol while pregnant. So, while I may be wrong and I certainly do not claim to have physiological insight, I believe that a child, cared for and raised as God intended will be more likely to have this naturally saintly personality at least until they reach the age of rebellion, resentment and temptation. Of course, they have to be taught to share and to be obedient, and not spoiled or selfish. But, this ideal seems to be what our Lord indicates when He references childlikeness in terms of behavior, faith and innocent love.

What a shame it is that most everything in our culture seems intent on destroying such good, childlike qualities! From the destruction of the family to secular indoctrination in schools, to the confusion, darkness, anger, violence, sexual deviancy and drugs that pervade nearly every corner of our media and the internet… and school libraries, all seems designed to lead the little ones astray. Frankly, I’m not going to even try to say anything deeply spiritual or intellectual here. Our culture is sick and evil. The only cure is intact families in which two loving parents actually raise their own children and follow the teachings of the Catholic Church. It does not take a village, nor does it take a government, to raise a child. It takes a family and a Church.

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Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional, Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings July-December, 2024 It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3ZTXQB4

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

His new podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic