How can one still be childlike and simple

[PelagiathePenit]

There is so much to know. So much to grow. There are so many issues within the Catholic church, within life in general. God wants us to be fully spiritually mature. I sometimes I feel my mind is cluttered with so many Dos and Don’ts. I understand avoiding sin is the most important thing ever. I miss not worrying so much about every little thing. What sucks is, no matter how much I worry, I will fail again.

 

[Faxero]

:nope:

Being childlike and simple, in the spiritual sense, is simply preventing yourself from being held guilty by the divine court. Keep your soul pure and avoid sin. Be meek, Like Moses, and/or trusting, like the great King David.

Avoiding sin is a direct result of loving God, or choosing to offer one’s will to God, or deciding to follow God’s intended paths.

Christ, Moses, David, bah bah bah…etc… were adults and demonstrated innocence. Some believe that we lose their innocence when we reach the age of reason, while in reality, we may maintain our innocence perpetually, or regain our innocence after losing it.

 

[Barzillai]

Living a simpler life, away from the world’s distractions can help. Living by a monastic rule as your state in life allows helps one become more humble, more obedient. Everyone must find their own path to dwell with God.

A monk told me when I asked about knowing, “It’s an awakening not a knowing.”

Don’t be discouraged if your way follows that of all other Catholics and all saints, they work and fail, work and fail, but they never stop moving with a loving heart to God.

 

[Gertabelle]

For an understanding of what is truly meant by the call to be childlike and simple, I always turn to St. Therese of Lisieux, a Doctor of the Church who wrote about spiritual childhood.

In an age that savours insights related to growth, maturity accountability and responsibility, it might appear jejune to suggest ‘spiritual childhood’ as an appropriate image for the spiritual journey. The ‘little way’ associated with St Therese of Lisieux can readily be misunderstood. In her writings, focus on the child does not promote childishness, passivity, immaturity, nor a romantic sphere of eternal play. Rather, it points toward a theocentric view of grace.

In other words, to paraphrase St. Therese, it’s all grace, baby – God’s grace. Being childlike and simple means acknowledging God’s working in all things.

To read more of the above reflection check out this web page from the Society of the Little Flower.

God bless you and strengthen you to keep your eyes on HIM.

Gertie