By David Peter, CSC –
Readings: Wis 7: 22- 8: 1; Lk 17: 20-25
Today, we joyously celebrate the Children’s day. We do believe our children are the leaders of tomorrow. They stand as great example of love and kingdom of God. The readings of the day invite us to reflect on two essential things of life: one is wisdom, and another is kingdom of God among us.
The first reading reveals to us the nature of wisdom. As human and rational beings we long for the worldly knowledge which is perishable and can deceive our relationship with God and people. But the call is to strive for Wisdom that is pure, holy and a special gift from God. We may gain knowledge through various means but not the grace of wisdom which comes from the Lord. Wisdom is imperishable and it is the reflection of a right and moral conduct. Perhaps wisdom has dominion over everything on earth, even over knowledge.
The Gospel reading invites us to seek the kingdom of God among us. The kingdom of God is built by Jesus through his teaching and preaching.
He entrusted his stewardship to each one of us to continue building the kingdom of God by practicing good values and virtues. On placing myself in today’s reading, I reflect about my own life: how do I strive to follow the path of wisdom? Am I curious in knowing God through the wisdom which he gifted me?
On this day let us ask God’s grace for two intentions: firstly for the children of the world, that they may have a safe and bright future. Let immoral practices and violence not take the joyful childhood away from them. Secondly, we pray that we may be blessed by God’s grace and wisdom to live as his worthy children and to build the Kingdom of God among us.