Spend at least a couple of minutes, preferably more, doing meditation with the following words:
At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike."
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
A story circulates about Poland's famous concert pianist and prime minister, Ignace Paderewski. While the historicity of the story is in question, the truth of its lesson is real.
A mother, wanting to encourage her young son's progress at the piano, bought tickets for a Paderewski performance. When the night arrived, the two found their seats near the front of the concert hall and gazed at the majestic Steinway on stage.
The mother found a friend to talk to, and the boy slipped away. When eight o'clock came, the spotlights came on, the audience quieted, and only then did they notice the boy up on the bench, picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
The mother gasped. But before she could retrieve her son, the master appeared on stage and moved to the keyboard. "Don't quit - keep playing," he whispered to the lad. Paderewski leaned over and reached down with his left hand, filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around the other side, encircling the boy, to add a running obbligato. Together, the old master and the young novice had the crowd mesmerized.
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We are not meant to go it alone in our spiritual journey. We have a Master Performer, One who wants to help us. If we resist the help, we are being prideful.
Humbleness is required for Spirit's flow that reveals truth to us. In humbleness we can accept we are spiritual novices. And there is truth beyond what we can get from reading words on a page, if we have a novice attitude.
Have you ever known someone who could not remain open to you or your help? The person was too prideful to appear weak. Jesus says the "childlike," those in his culture who were considered among the weakest and who had no legal rights, were examples of spiritual persons who could receive spiritual insight.
This receiving pertains to our intellect. The person who is baffled by the Mystery of God is the one most ready to be given spiritual truth. God has things to teach us even beyond the point at which we can logically fathom.
To be childlike means we can acknowledge our reliance on the holy Spirit to guide us into truth. Being childlike means we do not have to appear invulnerable and knowledgeable. We can accept our weakness and ignorance.
So, yes, sit at the divine Steinway. Do your best. But let yourself be helped, also. You will be amazed at the opus that you and the Divine can play together.
Of course, if we want to make it on your own, like we have something huge to prove, the Spirit will let us peck away on the keys and alone. Still, our Friend always is ready to help us and enhance our efforts.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
Take some time to reflect prayerfully, asking if there is any pridefulness keeping you from letting God help you. Take some time to consider what childlikeness means for you. Pray to be more childlike.
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*This writing ministry is the offering of Rev. Dr. Brian K. Wilcox, of SW Florida, a Pastor in the United Methodist Church, and Senior Chaplain for the Charlotte County Jail, Punta Gorda, FL. To contact Brian, write to barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
