Tales from the Crib

 – Sr. Caterina de Siena    
I have the profound joy of caring for my three month old grandson a couple of days each week.  Through my interaction with this little gift from God, I have been able to contemplate God in a deeper way while peering into the tiny face of one of His lovingly created beings.  
In the Gospel of Saint Matthew Jesus says, “Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 18:3 NABRE)  This is a puzzling statement our Lord makes.  The Jewish culture at the time was patriarchal with children having little or no privileges.  Yet, Jesus is elevating the demeanor of children as being worthy of his followers to imitate.
The tales from the crib have taught me that children are:

• completely dependent upon their parents or caregivers as they can do nothing on their own
  
• trusting the person who cares for them – they are, after all, putting their lives in our hands
  
• fascinated by everything they see
  
• eager to learn and try new things
  
• seeking to communicate with those they have come to recognize and trust
  

 
Like children, the followers of Jesus Christ are called to rely upon God in all things and to trust that He cares so very much for us and will provide for our needs.  Human parents delight in their children just as God delights in our well-being and flourishing. Parents are their children’s first glimpse into God. What a profound honor it is for parents to model the love of God for their children!
 
How fascinated are you by the world around you and do you see God in every moment of the day?  Are you eager to learn the ways of God and get to know Him better? Do you seek to communicate with the Eternal One who says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you”.  (Jer 1:5 NABRE)
 
There is nothing like holding a child and gazing into their sparkling eyes; delighting in the smile upon their lips; and feeling the pure love and trust that exudes from them!  Jesus knew what he was doing when he used children as a role model. God wants to be that perfect parent to each one of us because God wishes to “shield you, care for you, and guard you as the apple of His eye”. ( Deut 32:10 NABRE)   
 
Pray that our country may come to value the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death.  Children are vulnerable, especially those in the womb, and should be protected and given every opportunity to live and thrive.  
 
Jesus began his earthly life in a crib so let us not delay in wanting to become like children who are highly exalted in the Kingdom of God.   
 
Photo Credit:
https://www.google.com/search?biw=1920&bih=938&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=3vRZXN7jDqzv_QbM05K4CQ&q=baby+in+crib+sleeping&oq=baby+in+crib&gs_l=img.1.6.0l10.5423.8398..13453...0.0..0.82.1220.24......0....1..gws-wiz-img.....0..0i67.cosp5-gvdIA#imgrc=SQuEiQwbKqHqOM:

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