Saturday of Week 26 in Ordinary Time
Job 42:1-3,5-6,12-17
Lk 10:17-24
It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said: “I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.”
Whenever I go through today’s Gospel passage, I always feel a bit stung by the above phrase, because of my own inclination to strengthen my faith through ‘studying’ it by reading, watching/listening to and, sometimes, writing about it.
For instance, since the pandemic, I picked up the habit of watching videos at various YouTube channels such as Ascension Press and Word on Fire. Though I would never think of myself as ‘wise and learned’, I found them relevant and useful in expanding my own awareness and knowledge, as well as a (hopefully better) alternative to doomscrolling, or online shopping.
Yet, today’s reading makes me wonder whether this habit has been ‘worthwhile’, and whether it has really helped to deepen my faith. Sometimes, the videos, especially the regular ones like 10 Minutes with Jesus, feel more as if they are daily chores to be checked off my ‘to-do’ list rather than spiritual exercises; but maybe, the practice of watching them (whether they make me ‘feel’ inspired or not) is part of the discipline and perseverance required for faith. Nonetheless, I also need to avoid growing complacent that the habit of watching videos itself is sufficient, especially if I don’t take the time to reflect on them or bring them to prayer.
Recently, I started on the Catholic Classics podcast to learn about the book ‘The Practice of the Presence of God’ by Brother Lawrence. Notwithstanding the entertaining commentary by the sibling hosts (which I also found quite moving as a reflection of the strong bond they shared), I initially found the book rather simple. Instead of providing dramatic biographical episodes or profound intellectual insights, the author constantly stressed the importance of turning to God at every opportunity, to the point where he saw no difference in times of prayer and times of work (which would also include mundane household tasks, such as cooking and delivery).
But the more I read (or half-listened, to be exact), the more difficult I thought this practice would be, because it would involve constant intention and effort far beyond discrete well-intentioned projects to become ‘wise and learned’. While the hosts’ practical tips definitely helped to contextualise the book’s key points — and provide encouragement for the inevitable times that we would fall short — perhaps the greatest reassurance I gained was Brother Lawrence’s own admission that whenever he failed to devote himself to God, he would simply turn back to Him and try again. It showed his self-awareness, humility and dependence on our Father, as well as his deep trust that our loving Father would always grant us the grace to begin again because we are his beloved children.
Perhaps these are the childlike attributes cherished by Jesus, which enable Him to reveal further truths to us, which I can work to cultivate without worrying whether my attempts to watch and/or read Catholic content would be worthwhile. Perhaps this is also how Jesus encourages me to lift up my attempts to Him too, like a child showing her parents her homework, rooted in the faith that He will ensure nothing is wasted, and that He can bring good fruit from it.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)
Prayer: Lord, send us your Holy Spirit to guide us in our attempts to know You. Grant us humility, wisdom and trust in Your plan for us. Brother Lawrence, please pray with us and for us.
Thanksgiving: We thank you for the gift of Brother Lawrence’s writings and insights, and for all who have been involved in making them accessible to us.
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