At that time Jesus said in reply, “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. (Matthew 11:25 NABRE)
So, is it true that God really prevents some people from accepting what Jesus taught or the significance of his deeds? Why would he do that?
Matthew's gospel tells us that acceptance of Jesus' teachings depends on God's revelation to us which is only granted to those who are open to receive it. Jesus calls this quality of openness toward the gospel being childlike. By contrast, people who are arrogant and refuse even to be open to the truth of what Jesus taught, we are told, are, as a result, prevented from seeing it at all.*
I suggest that, since it is not an intellectual compromise, even the wise and learned among us can decide to remain open toward the gospel, and by such a choice, made without conditions, made in a childlike manner, can, through God's gift of revelation which will absolutely follow, come to accept the gospel. Simply put, there is no risk to making such a decision, but there is an eternal consequence to avoiding it. Leaving us with just one question: Why wait?
Today, I will reaffirm my personal decision to be open to the gospel message.
Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti, who shows us how to accept correction and change our ways, pray for us.
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