19 March 2022 · 2022-03 newsletter
This saying of Fr. Kentenich’s printed on one of my ‘Telephone Cards’ (sayings from him), points to a topic that Father loved to preach about and used a lot as a theme for retreats: “Unless you become like children you shall not enter the kingdom of God”. He brought to the fore, the reality of how far humanity is away from this concept stating that “To reconquer the sense of childlikeness is the greatest blessing we can give to humanity today”.
Father, who saw himself as a child of God and whose feast day is on the 19th March, gave a retreat which actually became a whole book with the title: ‘Childlikeness before God”(CLBG here on in). The explanation here will only brush the surface of a topic that actually shouldn’t be separated from the concept of ‘Belief in Divine Providence’.
How many of us can say “I know I was called by God when I was a child”? Father Kentenich was clear in his mind that God called him – believing his vocation was desired by God. Similarly, our vocation, if we truly understand who is guiding, is also desired by God. The question is do you feel yours is “Extraordinary, easily recognizable, and effective”? – Father believed his was.
Why was Father so certain that childlikeness was the driving spirit? Father had a great understanding of the distinctions between primitive and enlightened childlikeness. This article focuses on the value of developing ‘enlightened childlikeness’, because it is what drives the value of being apostolic in our lives. “Childlikeness is the way to heaven…, the way to overcoming the crises of our times and thirdly it is the way to live a holy life.”
If we re-take, “on the likeness of a child,” we re-learn how to trust in God and completely depend on his power alone. When we are hurt – physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually – we can turn to the most trustworthy physician, psychologist, lover and spiritual director. We have to believe that because he created us, he knows us better than anyone on the planet. All we have to do is go to Him (adapted from M.Gross: Radiant Magazine 2019).
Fr. Jonathan Niehaus (CLBG: P.viii) says of Father Kentenich, “That he survived, and helped countless others to spiritually grow in the “Hell of Dachau” is a first class endorsement of the true strength of ‘spiritual childhood’ even in the face of some of the greatest indignities known to human history.”
He also said, “He saw the values which stand out in a child – total trust, the ability to live in the moment, innocence and simplicity, amazement at even the littlest things in life – were the key to cultivating a fruitful relationship with God in times which numb the soul with overstimulation, materialism and the demand to have control over every aspect of life”.
Looking at the picture of the MTA and the Christ Child do you ever wonder who Christ is looking at? Mary is definitely looking at us (you) but ask yourself who are Christ’s sights set on? Christ could be looking at his Father in Heaven and wishes that you would turn to look and see Him too. By reflecting on Christ’s position in the picture, we may be inspired to imitate the features of Christ, the child.
The following quote from Pope Francis may assist our reflection: "The humility of the childlike is that of somebody who walks in the presence of the Lord, does not speak badly about others, looks only at serving and feels that he or she is the smallest." (Vatican City, Nov 29, 2016).
All we need to do now is “Become a child of longing and confidence,” and childlike.
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