Not the common sense

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today emphasize some of the paradox which appears when humans seek to understand the way of God. The prophet Ezekiel is directed by God to speak to rebellious Israel about sweetness of the continued faithfulness of God toward His people which has not been acknowledged or acted upon. Ezekiel must also tell the people, to whom God sends him, of the painful consequence of exile to befall the people who have forgotten God. The psalmist praises the joy which is found in the life direction of the Word of God. This direction for action by God in the world is often contrary to the common sense of our time. What Does Jesus mean in the passage from the Gospel when He indicates that we need to be like little children to fully live in the Kingdom of God? The child like qualities indentified by Friar JudeWinkler, which open us to the Kingdom around us, are trust, wonder and the ability to see neediness. The consequence of living in this attitude may be that we act to care for the one who is ignored by society. This neglect of the marginalized and lost is often justified by notions that we are more virtuous when our actions make economic sense and we give our time and treasure equally to all regardless of need or circumstance. Those who reject the “common sense of the age” and move to act like the Good Shepherd have the special awareness of the Presence in guiding and protecting them. Friar Jude compares those who lack the child like attitude in the Gospel to the brother of the prodigal son, jealous and imprisoned in a sense of justice based on common sense.