[T]urn and become like children. // Matthew 18:3

“LUNCH TIME!!” my little one blurted out as the bells rang during the time of consecration at Mass. I was shocked and a bit embarrassed that my son’s silly gesture was heard by those around us at such a special part of the Mass. My husband and I nervously locked eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle.

I grew up surrounded by my faith. I attended parochial school, lived across the street from a church, and spent my summer in Catholic youth centers and camps. I remember the fun that came with being a follower of Christ, and was confident in it during my elementary school years. This is what I recognized in my son that day—obviously after some gentle shushing and explanation. 

I sometimes wish I could recall the innocence that I had when I began to form my prayer life, the trust I had in this omnipotent God Who created everything—and Who wanted me to be a part of His creation. If I could experience this lightness in my faith once again, where I knew God loved me and I could talk to Him no matter what . . .

Sister, there are many areas in our lives where we find ourselves in control or having more responsibility than we can handle at times. Juggling many obligations while trying to pretend that multitasking is an actual art. What it would be like to be little as we once were. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to remember our childlike dependency on Him (see Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14). He encourages us to be humble and turn from our ways of complicating our relationship with Him to become little again. This requires a change of direction if we trust Him enough to follow His invitation. 

Our God takes delight in receiving us and finding us after we’ve gone astray. Take a deep breath and release the pressures of your relationship with Him. Be assured that He delights in your littleness, not in your ability to perform. At the end of it all, your truest identity is being His daughter. Allow yourself to turn and become like a child, once again.