BEING LITTLE

 

BEING LITTLE

Sometimes, it all seems too much. We try to give ourselves to God, but something in us hangs back. We try to curb our weaknesses, to live better lives and we fail again and again. We get frustrated with ourselves, even down hearted. And instead of coming nearer, Jesus seems to farther and farther away.

Of course, as usual the problem is in ourselves. Jesus told us how to escape this impasse again and again. He told us that : 'Anyone who does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' (Mark 10, 15-16). He was telling us that being little opens up the easy path to God. But for some reason we either fail to understand the message, or are too proud to accept it. It's only when things become too much for us that we finally stop resisting. Have you got there yet ?

Go back to your meditation and try this – following Ignatian meditation practises, enter into a gospel story. Try the text of Jesus walking on the sea of Galilee. Who are you ? Are you Peter, wanting so very much to be with Jesus, but falling in and almost drowning ? Or are you the child that noone notices, playing grandmother's footsteps behind the Lord, dancing on the waves and not even realising that he or she is actually walking on the water ?

Or try the Martha and Mary text. When you close your eyes and remember the scene, who are you ? Martha or Mary ? Or are you one of the disciples ? Who ? Why not the little child at his feet, unnoticed and yet closer than all the rest, hugging his leg, playing with the strap of his sandals. You have no responsibilites. You're only little. You just have to love him and that's easy. In fact you probaby idolise him. He's wonderful. And it is good to know that everything is in his hands. You trust him utterly without even thinking about it. You are happy.

Or try the storm at sea. Who are you ? The disciples frantically trying to keep the boat from sinking, terrified out of their wits ? Or are you the little child just wishing they would all let him sleep, because he is so very tired. But no – they wake him and of course he saves everyvbody as usual.

And when you get used to being the small child in your prayers and meditations, try staying small. Remind yourself : 'I'm only me and I'm sorry I get things wrong, but I'm only little. And all is forgiven. The weight lifts off, and Jesus comes closer.

What did he tell us ? 'Let the little children come unto me'  He told us what we have to do.

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is famous for her 'Little Way', the easy path to sanctity. If you are little, anything and everything is possible. You may not be a great saint having mystical experiences like the great SaintTeresa of Avila, but not to worry. The stairway to heaven - too hard for you ? Take the lift. Close your eyes, enter the lift and let the Spirit of God carry you up and up into God's presence. And if you fall asleep as you are praying, not to worry. When a child falls asleep doing his homework, we don't love him any theless for it, do we ? We smile and let him sleep on. The poor thing must be tired. And it's the same for us. We are, after all only little.

So take heart, be a happy playful child at Jesus's side and just let him do everything for you. He wants you to give yourself. And this is a really good way to do it. Enjoy !

Val