ENTERING HEAVEN BY BECOMING A CHILD - 8/9/22 (Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)

Matthew 18:3-5

“Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in My name receives Me.”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080922.cfm

Blessed Memorial of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross! We are the children of God. It is by accepting our identity and mission from God that we can enter His Kingdom. Our Lord Jesus reminds us that the only way for us to enter heaven is by becoming like a child. As such, it's necessary to know how can we be more child-like in our faith. There are at least two things we should remember about children which we can ponder upon and apply in our own lives. 

First, children are dependent on their parents. As such, they had nothing to boast on their own because they get everything they have from their parents. To be childlike means to persevere in humility and in recognizing our dependence on God. It is pleasing to God if we acknowledge that we are in need to His grace and strength because this means that we acknowledge Him as our Savior. Greatness is not based on worldly achievements. Prior to using the name of Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, Edith Stein was a Jew who lost her faith and became an atheist. She was a philosopher who graduated with summa cum laude. But, after seeing the examples of Christians who love God and their neighbors, she became more open to the faith. After studying the Catholic faith through Catechism, she desired to convert to Catholicism with humility as she was baptized and as she received the sacraments. She was even willing to let go of her job and achievements by entering the Carmelite Order. Humility is the true measurement of greatness in the eyes of God. 

Second, children cannot provide for their own, even their own food. They are not just dependent on their other needs, but also in their nourishment. In the same way, to be more child-like, we should seek to nourish our souls. This can be done most especially through the sacraments and prayers. Edith Stein, as a philosopher, was wise in the eyes of the world. She knew many things about philosophy. But, she found true wisdom in God. By God's providence, she was able to read the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, and thought to herself how prayers and spiritual life would lead us to Truth and Wisdom. Even in the monastery, she was constantly reflecting and praying before Jesus in the Tabernacle. We are given nourishment by God to know the truth. This is why He gives us the Church to guide us to know the truth contrary to what the world says. In the Bible, Jesus speaks to us, and He desires for us to imitate Him in His humility. And, we can also be saints, like St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, by reflecting on the life of other saints who are the models of our spiritual life. 

God wants us to be saints, and He desires for us to be united with Him forever. Our true happiness can only be found in doing His will. Through humility, we allow God to carry us with His merciful arms to eternal life. How can we persevere in becoming more child-like in our faith? Are we struggling with the virtue of humility? Let's trust in God even more. May we also pray for families and parents to teach their children about the Catholic faith and spirituality. Without God, we can do nothing. As such, let's admit our weaknesses before Him, and He will surely come to our aid. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

For more information on the life of St. Dominic, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/august-9---saint-teresa-benedicta-of-the-cross-edith-stein-virgin-and-martyr/#vatican

For the summary of the teachings of the Catholic Church, click here:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

For a YouTube video of a sample of a daily prayer routine, click here:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=R2m_VU2dHn8