Hi
Who would have guessed that mention is made of so many prayers of Jesus?! And prayers that address various aspects of our day to day life. Today’s Holy Nougat offers a window to the ordinary
“At that moment Jesus said: My Father, Lord of heaven and earth, I am grateful that you hid all this from wise and educated people and showed it to ordinary people.” Matthew 11:25 CEV
Not only is Jesus expressing gratitude to God in this prayer; but He is also subverting the expected social protocols. In this prayer we see what is referred to as ‘God’s preferential option for the poor’ (see writings of Gustavo Gutierrez for more details); with Jesus seemingly shunning the powerful.
In the Gospels, especially the Matthean and Lucan presentation; we find the disparate and the desperate seeking Jesus for their transformation, while the rich, educated and religious elite shun Him. And when the rich or educated do deign to be in Jesus’ presence, it is usually to question His actions, misunderstand His ministry and message; or to plot and scheme for His death! Isn’t that something!
In Latin America, the birthplace of Liberation Theology, it was the poor and outcasts (social lepers and enemies of the state) who found hope and salvation in Jesus Christ. Interestingly, under Feudalism, second sons were often encouraged to the priesthood in lieu of an inheritance. And, we may already know that one of Luther’s major projects was the insistence of ensuring translation of the Bible in the people’s (popular-common-vulgate) language; ensuring its access to the ordinary soul.
In reverting to the words ascribed to Jesus in this prayer (also repeated in Luke 10), we note that God is open to self-revelation to those who are Humble and take a childlike approach to the Good News. Is it to suggest that we don’t question God or probe the Scriptures for deeper understanding? I think not. Rather, I suspect that the child-like faith accepts unconditionally, and then asks Why. (At least in my time we did). This may explain why one version of the Westminster Confession is presented as a child’s questions about the Faith. It recognizes that when we approach our faith with preconceived notions, finding God is not always easy. And being open to the mystery of God’s God-ness is also a challenge.
It is in the trust, the readiness to receive God in all facets of God’s God-ness; the willingness to ask questions of God about Who God is and How God operates that we are able to build relationship. And, more importantly, we remember, children love to play hide and seek – if God is ‘hidden from our eyes’; perhaps it’s time for us to go seeking God with the joy and wonder of a child.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
