With the heart of a child

In one town in Leyte, during the feast of the Santo Niño, people have the custom of bringing the statue of the Holy Child to the next town through the river by a boat. The flotilla is colorful and the statue is met by thousands of fishermen. The townsfolk believe that fishermen in their area are protected from fatal accidents by the Santo Niño.

The "Jesus" of the gospels, though powerful and benevolent, does not shower miracles. He does not offer an easy way out but tells the people to confront the realities of their lives. In this year’s celebration of the Santo Niño, we see Jesus "indignant" over His disciples because they have prevented the children to come to Him. They do only what is customary among them: Not to allow children to approach the revered teachers of the Law (among whom Jesus also comes to be considered) since children have no right to do so. But Jesus tells them that they should have the "spirit" of a child: They should accept the kingdom as people unworthy of it. They should receive it as a gift, not as something they deserve.

The disciples may have believed they are already included in Jesus’ list of special people. They quarrel over who among them is the greatest, and become indignant at the effort of some to seek special favor from Jesus (Mk 10:35-41). They behave almost like the scribes and the Pharisees who, because of their mastery of God’s Law, feel they already occupy a place in God’s kingdom.

Jesus’ embrace and blessing of the children is an eloquent manifestation of His happiness in welcoming disciples who develop the attitude of a child. His gestures remind the disciples that if they have to be worthy of His intimacy, if they want to become His full-fledged disciples, they should forsake the childish attitude which makes them think that because they are doing God’s commands, God owes them something in return.

Jesus’ challenge to the disciples is addressed to all Christians. Only those who see life and faith as gifts can be open to the workings of God. In Jesus’ kingdom, the quest is not to be the greatest and the most important. Those who make their presence felt are they who serve without counting the cost, believing that what they give is not really theirs, and that they are simply giving back to the Creator His gifts to them.

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus reached the height of sanctity by following the "little way:" Humility and constant dedication to her ordinary duties. The Lord is close to the faithful who, without pride and vainglory, offer to Him all the little sacrifices of life.

The feast of the Santo Niño, therefore, does not usher the Christian to some magnificent miracles. The celebration related to this feast — the "sinulog" in Cebu, the "ati-atihan" in Kalibo, the "dinagyang" in Iloilo, and the fiestas in such places as Tondo and Pandacan in Manila — would be without Christian content and meaning unless Christians understand Jesus’ invitation to a discipleship that makes God the center of their lives and makes of everything a gift of God to be received with the "heart of a child." This is the mature challenge of the faith.

SOURCE: "365 Days with the Lord," ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.