MATTHEW 11
25 At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; 26 yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27 All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:25-30
MATTHEW 11 THE WAY OF THE GENTLE AND LOWLY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
To those chosen by God since the beginning of time
They are given the ability to be gentle and to be meek
To be gentle like a lamb is to have patience for others
It does not judge, discriminate or ignore one another
It is silent and does not boast or keep a record of wrongs
Instead, it gives grace to the weak and the vulnerable
It follows the ways of the Lord which leads to a quiet spirit
It is not heavy laden since Christ’s yoke is easy and light.
This account of Matthew is another prayer of Jesus to his Father in heaven. Jesus praises his Father for the grace he has granted to all those who belong to him. He described the elect as little children. We know that little children are pure and innocent and are gentle and lowly in heart. In other words, God chose those who are not intelligent or full of knowledge but instead, he grants his kingdom to those who are pure in heart. Children are also gentle and are usually humble. Because they haven’t developed yet to maturity, they still have malleable hearts, minds and spirits. They are not like those who have lived long enough in this world who have learned its wicked and evil ways. In Matthew 18:3, Mark 10:15 and Luke 18:17, Jesus used the analogy of being childlike. He says that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are like little children. Being like a child would mean someone who has no pride or arrogance. They are humble and trusting and open to learn and be taught. They are also very dependent on their caregivers since they still have to grow and develop and have not yet been able to independently do things on their own.
The opposite of being humble, gentle and dependent on God is a haughty, harsh, isolated and self-sufficient person who thinks highly of himself and has no room to give grace to others, especially those who are weak and vulnerable and poor. They also have no need for God. Jesus invites all those who are suffering, in pain, ill and weak, to come to him because he will ease their burdens. Unlike the proud and hypocrites who have no patience for the vulnerable and needy, the people of God are invited to a life of humility and gentleness. To be gentle is to follow Jesus’ justice and meekness and righteousness.
REFLECTION
· Why do you think one cannot enter God’s kingdom unless they are like children?
