22 September, Sunday — Our Inner Child in God’s Heart

25^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Wis 2:12,17-20
Jas 3:16-4:3
Mk 9:30-37

“Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me.”  

One of the concepts in psychology is that of the inner child. It says that we have within us, a disposition very much like that of a child in innocence — excitement over simple things, willingness to trust fully — among many others. At the same time, this inner child also holds on to the sad memories, feelings of rejection, and insecurities we had as children. As an adult, I sometimes wish I could have run to Jesus when I was younger, and cried in his arms.

Reading today’s gospel felt like an invitation to bring to God the hurts and sadness of my inner child. As a child, I wonder how Jesus would talk to me. What kind of look would he give me? What would be the tone of his voice? How would he explain things to me? How would he react if I complained? Would he appear more patient when explaining something to me?

I think we only have to observe how kind adults treat children. Before the recent Papal Mass held in Singapore, many kids and babies were presented or approached Pope Francis as he was transported to the main altar and he was so gentle, loving and attentive. Many times, you could hear the crowd going, “Aww,” because they witnessed something we all hope for – to be gently loved and attended to. I can’t help but think, and be overjoyed, that Jesus will be much, much more gentle, loving and attentive than Pope Francis was. And isn’t that great?

Being an adult can get really tiring sometimes. We’re supposed to keep it all together. And in this physical world, we would not be treated as kids – we’re way past that. But in front of God, we can be a child — His child. In one of the days of recollection I attended, I shared an observation that in all the reflections I’ve read where God is addressing us, He refers to us as, ‘My child’, or ‘My children’. I’ve never read anything where God addressed us as ‘My adult’; and it made me feel very loved, protected, and cherished.

As we end this reflection, I invite you to pause for a while, and hear in your heart God calling you, “My child.”

Let our inner child be welcomed by God.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Villa)

Prayer: Lord, I bring to you the young me for us to have a chat.

Thanksgiving: Thank you, Lord, for making me your child.