Kid 'n' Play

Kid 'n' Play was a hip hop duo in the late 80's and early 90's best know for their killer beats and of course the high flat top fade that was worn by one of the members.  But this post isn't about that.  Sorry to all fans of Kid 'n' Play.  Are there still any left out there???  Anyway, today I will be talking about the childlike faith that is needed to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

I was praying today with the Gospel, Matthew 18: 1-5,10, and it dawned on me that for the most part, I don't fit the description.  Jesus talks about having a childlike faith.  What does this mean?  Well, let's put it in a more human tone.  Little kids, when dad leaves home for work or wherever, are right there to wish him a good day and to show love.  It's the same when they get back.  So, how does this apply to the church?  Ask a 40 year old and a 4 year old what the Eucharist is.  You may get the same response, "it's Jesus."  But then ask them how.  How does that happen?  From the 40 year old, you get this, "Well through transubstantiation, Jesus comes down from Heaven and...well you know the rest."  From the 4 year old, here is what you get. "Jesus flies down from Heaven on his magic carpet, and because He loves us so much he shrinks himself down so much that he fits in a tiny piece of bread.  Then we get to eat it!"  Yeah, which one sounds better?  The 4 year old of course!

But why is that?  The difference between the 4 year old and the 40 year old is that the 40 year old believes while the 4 year old knows.  There really is a big difference in the two.  When you only believe in something, there is the possibility for doubt to creep in.  You start thinking to yourself if it is really true and then you start second guessing yourself and the church. But when you know, there is no room for doubt.  Another example: say you're in math class and taking a test.  If you only believe you know the answer, you have that feeling of whether your answer is right or wrong.  And that confusion may lead you to put down the wrong answer, even if in your heart, you thought your first answer was correct (trust me I've done this many times).  But if you know the right answer, then you will have no chance of putting down the wrong answer.  You will be absolutely certain that you are correct.

We have to be the same way with our faith.  So often, we hear something at mass or in a Bible study and think to ourselves, "is that really true?"  We struggle with taking things at face value.  We know that we are hearing truth, but as we get older we learn more and more, and we let that knowledge get in the way of true love for Jesus and his church.  Kids on the other hand, do not have the knowledge that we have as adults and when they hear something from a teacher or adult that they trust, they take it as face value.  They don't have anything else to get in the way.  And that is beautiful.

Be a kid.  In today's world we get so caught up in growing up that we forget to live in the present and we don't take the time to really appreciate what Jesus has and continues to give us.  We are constantly searching for the next thing, whether it be school or job or home or spouse, and we forget the one thing that stays constant and unchanging: Jesus.  Run to him like a child to his father and know that you are loved.

In Christ,
Josh

[Also, major thanks to all that have viewed or read this blog.  It's something that I do entirely for me, because I hate journaling and actually writing on paper, but the fact that you guys follow it and read it is really humbling.  Last week I had the most views on any post by far, and to see that was incredible.  So big thanks to you guys, and if you ever want me to write on a particular topic, please comment or let me know and I would be happy to give it my best.  Thanks again!!!]