Revelation of the Hidden things to the Little Children

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : Fifteenth Week:  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Mt 11:25-27*

*First Reading : Is 10:5-7, 13-16*

*Responsorial Psalm : 94: 5-15*

*Revelation of the Hidden things to the Little Children*

*1) Who Are the "Little Children"?*

The "little children" Jesus speaks about are not primarily children by age but people with childlike hearts.

They are those who:

are humble rather than proud,

trust rather than depend only on themselves,

remain open to God's guidance,

know that they need God,

are willing to learn and be transformed.

Children naturally depend on their parents. Likewise, spiritual "little children" depend on God instead of placing absolute confidence in their own wisdom.

In contrast, the "wise and learned" in this passage are those who think they already know everything and therefore leave no room for God to teach them.

*2) What Are the "Hidden Things"?*

The hidden things are the mysteries of God's Kingdom:

that Jesus is the Son of God,

that salvation comes through love and humility,

that true greatness is found in service,

that the Cross leads to Resurrection,

that God's mercy is greater than human merit.

These truths cannot be fully grasped merely by intelligence. They are understood through faith and an open heart.

As St. Augustine beautifully said: "It is not understanding that leads to faith, but faith that opens the way to deeper understanding."

*3) Why Are These Things Revealed to the Little Children?*

God does not hide Himself out of favoritism. Rather, pride blinds people from seeing Him.

A humble person is like fertile soil that receives the seed. A proud person is like a closed door; even if light shines outside, it cannot enter.

The Pharisees knew the Scriptures thoroughly, yet many failed to recognize Jesus standing before them.

The fishermen of Galilee had little formal education, yet they left everything and followed Him because their hearts were open. 

God's revelation depends less on intellectual ability than on spiritual receptivity.

*4) What Gives the Little Children Credibility?*

Their credibility lies in their humility and openness, not in their social status or academic qualifications.

God entrusts His mysteries to them because they: seek truth sincerely, listen before speaking, obey before arguing, trust before demanding proof, allow God to lead them.

Mary is the perfect example. Though a simple young woman from Nazareth, she believed God's word with complete trust: "Let it be done to me according to your word."

Likewise, the apostles were ordinary fishermen, tax collectors, and common people. Yet Jesus entrusted them with the Gospel because they were teachable.

*5) Humility Opens the Eyes of Faith*

Many people see only with their physical eyes. The humble learn to see with the eyes of faith.

The proud often ask, "How can this be?"

The humble ask, "Lord, what do You want me to do?"

Faith begins where self-sufficiency ends.

*6) What Does This Teach Us Today?*

Our world values degrees, titles, achievements, influence, and expertise. These are gifts and should be respected. Yet Jesus reminds us that none of them automatically makes a person wise before God.

A person may possess vast knowledge yet fail to know God's heart.

Another may have little education but possess deep faith, compassion, and holiness.

God measures the heart more than the résumé.

*7) How Is This Applicable to Our Daily Life?*

Jesus invites us to become "little children" every day.

We become little children when: we pray before making decisions, 

we admit our mistakes instead of defending them,

we forgive instead of seeking revenge,

we remain teachable throughout life,

we trust God's providence even when we do not understand His plans.

Every challenge becomes an opportunity to say, "Lord, teach me." 

That is the prayer of a spiritual child.

*8) A Challenge for Self-Examination*

Before revealing His Kingdom, God first asks us:

Is your heart open?

Can you still be taught?

Do you seek God more than your own opinions?

Are you humble enough to admit you need His grace?

The Kingdom of God is not hidden because God is unwilling to reveal it. It is hidden only from hearts that are closed by pride and self-reliance.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*