Ezekiel 2:8-3:4
Psalm 119:14, 24, 72, 103, 111, 131
Matthew 18:1-5, 10, 12-14
In today's Gospel, Jesus says, "Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven."
Perhaps two of the most characteristic features of being a child are what Jesus is talking about--innocence and dependence on others for everything.
This is a double-edged sword though, because by nature of their dependence on others, children are vulnerable and their innocence is at risk.
I recently entered into a discussion about the evangelical counsels of
poverty, chastity and obedience and hear a very interesting statement
about the virtue of chastity. The definition was more far-reaching than we might have previously thought, and it was described as doing those things which preserve the innocent child within and not doing anything that harms another, be it their body, mind or spirit. That means more than refraining or avoiding sexual temptations and sin, doesn't it?
We have been told by Jesus to turn and become like children, to be innocent and dependent, without fear, on Him.
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo, Australia