The Difference Between Childlike and Childish

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Today’s first reading from Isaiah 11 starts with what should be a familiar prophesy. “On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse…” Jesse was Kind David’s father, so the prophet is saying that the Messiah would come from the line of David. In the Gospel reading from Luke 10, Jesus says that the Father has “revealed (these things) to the childlike.”

What does it mean to be childlike? Well, let me say this – there is a huge difference between being child-LIKE and being child-ISH. Unfortunately, I find myself being childish more often than I do being childlike. Being childish means saying things like, “That’s not fair!” “You can’t make me!” or “You’re not the boss of me!”

Being childlike means trusting God. Children trust their parents to take care of them. They believe what their parents tell them. Skepticism doesn’t come until later in life. So, in the spiritual life, being childlike means that we believe what God says, and trust in Him to take care of our every need. He will never disappoint.

Father, help us to be less child-ISH and more child-LIKE. Help us to believe and trust you more each day. Amen.

Today’s Readings

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