Gospel Reading: Mt 11:25-27
AT that time Jesus exclaimed: “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. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.”
* * *
Jesus rejoices over his intimate “knowledge” and relationship with his heavenly Father. He is ecstatic that the Father has revealed certain things to the “little ones.” The Apostles are considered God’s little ones, not because of their age or innocence, but because of their openness, humble heart, and teachable spirit. They are beginning to understand that God’s Kingdom is at hand and is in their midst, and that this Kingdom is found in Jesus.
Apart from the Apostles, the little ones include people despised by society and branded as “sinners.” These are the shepherds, donkey-drivers, peddlers, tanners, and tax collectors. They have no place in respectable Jewish society, yet Jesus considers them “blessed” because they are open to Jesus’ teachings.
Jesus addresses himself to these simple people who sincerely want to obey God’s law and prays to the Father in thanksgiving for their openness.
* * *
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2017” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
