In today’s first reading Paul calls everyone spiritual babies without actually calling them spiritual babies. He makes the analogy that he has been feeding everyone with milk because they cannot yet handle solid food. I’ve been there. I’m sure you have as well. It’s interesting that so many analogies of the faith in Scripture compare us to children.
At first, this can seem insulting, but why do we feel that way? We all remember times where our parents came to our aid or helped us through difficult circumstances. No matter how independent or successful we might be, we all need a parental presence in our lives to help guide us and keep us on the right track. Whether that is a friend, mentor, or parent, there are times in our lives when we just need the loving embrace of someone who can help us.
I think this is what Paul is getting at in the first reading. Notice that he doesn’t say we cannot handle anything. He feeds us milk instead of solid food. But milk is something. Milk is nourishing. At least we are being fed. My wife and I had our second baby boy back in March of this year and I continually look at my son and realize his complete dependance on us. He needs his parents for everything. There are times when I get frustrated and sleep deprived and wonder why he can’t just do some things on his own. But there are other times it brings me complete joy to just serve and love him.
God is similar in some ways and very different in others. He is similar in that it brings him joy to love us. He is different in that he never has those moments of weakness where he just wants us to do it on our own. He is the perfect parent and knows exactly where we’re at and what we need at this stage in our lives. Just like Paul knew the amount of wisdom to give the Corinthians about the faith, God knows our hearts. Like a loving father he is walking with us and feeding us in a way that we can actually consume.
I don’t think I have to point out the obvious that he not only feeds us with wisdom, but he feeds us with himself. Even the beauty of the Eucharist is veiled so that it is more digestible for us. God meets us where we’re at and with what we can handle to draw us ever closer into his love. But like any loving parent who longs for the embrace of their children, we need to put in our part. We need to show up. We need to ask for God’s grace so that we can become and continue to be the loving children that he has created. By trusting in Him, we make the next step towards being able to consume solid food.
From all of us here at Diocesan, God bless!
Daily Reading
Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 1 Cor 7:25-31 Brothers and sisters:In regard to virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord,but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is…
Saint of the Day
Saint Paphnutius
Saint Paphnutius, an Egyptian ascetic and bishop, endured persecution, defended faith at Nicaea, and supported clerical marriage tradition.
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