Remember who's who

Once again, each of today’s readings differ markedly in tone from the other, yet they are really two halves of the same coin. The Old Testament reading addresses the arrogant harshly while the Gospel rejoices in the blessings bestowed on the childlike.

What distinguishes the arrogant from the childlike? The arrogant think only of what they want and of their own greatness: “By my own power I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am shrewd.” The arrogant do not keep in mind what God’s will is or that God has enabled them to do everything they have done.

(A presidential candidate from Massachusetts once remarked, “People say I’m arrogant, but I know better.)

The childlike, on the other hand, never fail to recognize that they are dependent on God. By God’s grace, they open their minds to receive his self-revelation in Jesus Christ.

At that time Jesus answered and said,
I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,
because You have hidden these things
from the wise and prudent,
and revealed them to children.
Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Your sight.
All things are given to Me by My Father:
and no man knows the Son, but the Father;
neither does any man know the Father, except the Son,
and he to whom the Son will reveal Him.

We all try to do our best in spreading the love and truth of Christ – perhaps we can and should do more – but no matter how much we are accomplishing, it is vital that we always remember that we are totally dependent on God and all of our abilities have been given by him and for his glory. And if we are not accomplishing anything, perhaps we should consider whether our minds are where they should be: fixed on God’s will and on God as the source of all we have and do.