Faith Over Fear

In times of crisis, God is near, 

His presence felt, His voice so clear. 

When human plans begin to fail, 

In God alone, we must prevail.

Our trust in Him, our guiding light, 

Through darkest days and endless night. 

Faith in God, our steadfast shield, 

In every battle, never yield.

Disobedience brings its toll, 

A heavy burden on the soul. 

But faith, a beacon shining bright, 

Transforms our fear into pure might.

When fear would paralyze our heart, 

Faith gives us strength to make a start. 

With confidence, we face the storm, 

In God’s embrace, we are reborn.

So seek His guidance, feel His grace, 

In every trial, find your place. 

Trust in His control, His loving hand, 

For in His care, we firmly stand.

REFLECTION:

Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm! (Isaiah 7:9)

God is present and active even in times of crisis. We should prioritize our reliance on God over human solutions and trust in Him rather than human strategies. 

Faith in God is crucial, especially when facing challenges. Lack of faith and disobedience leads to negative consequences. Fear can paralyze us, but faith empowers us to move forward with confidence. 

Let us seek God’s guidance and presence when we are in difficult situations and trust in His control over all situations, no matter how dire they seem.

Heavenly Father,

In times of crisis, we acknowledge Your presence and active hand in our lives. Help us to prioritize our reliance on You over human solutions and to trust in Your divine wisdom rather than our own strategies.

Grant us unwavering faith, especially when we face challenges. Remind us that lack of faith and disobedience lead to negative consequences, but faith in You empowers us to move forward with confidence.

When fear threatens to paralyze us, fill our hearts with courage and strength. Let us seek Your guidance and feel Your presence in every difficult situation. We trust in Your control over all circumstances, no matter how dire they may seem.

Thank You for being our refuge and strength. We place our trust in You, knowing that You are always with us.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: Immanuel Prophecies

BIRTH OF IMMANUEL

Isaiah 7:1-25

First Reading | Isaiah 7:1-9

1 In the days of Ahaz, king of Judah, son of Jotham, son of Uzziah, Rezin, king of Aram, and Pekah, king of Israel, son of Remaliah, went up to attack Jerusalem, but they were not able to conquer it. 2 When word came to the house of David that Aram was encamped in Ephraim, the heart of the king and heart of the people trembled, as the trees of the forest tremble in the wind. 3 Then the Lord said to Isaiah: Go out to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shear-jashub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller’s field, 4 and say to him: Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear; let not your courage fail before these two stumps of smoldering brands [the blazing anger of Rezin and the Arameans, and of the son of Remaliah], 5 because of the mischief that Aram [Ephraim and the son of Remaliah] plots against you, saying, 6 “Let us go up and tear Judah asunder, make it our own by force, and appoint the son of Tabeel king there.” 7 Thus says the Lord: This shall not stand, it shall not be! 8 Damascus is the capital of Aram, and Rezin the head of Damascus; Samaria is the capital of Ephraim, and Remaliah’s son the head of Samaria. 9 But within sixty years and five, Ephraim shall be crushed, no longer a nation. Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm! 

Background:

Isaiah 7:1-9 is set during a tumultuous period for the kingdom of Judah. Here’s a brief background:

Historical Context:

King Ahaz of Judah: Ahaz was the king of Judah at this time. He is often remembered as a wicked king who engaged in idolatry and even sacrificed his son to pagan gods.

Threat from Israel and Syria: The northern kingdom of Israel, led by King Pekah, and Syria, led by King Rezin, formed an alliance to attack Judah. Their goal was to force Judah into joining their coalition against the rising power of Assyria.

Assyrian Threat: Assyria was a dominant empire threatening smaller kingdoms, including Judah, Israel, and Syria. This external pressure led to various alliances and conflicts among these smaller states.

Key Events in Isaiah 7:1-9:

Attack on Jerusalem: Israel and Syria attempted to conquer Jerusalem but were unsuccessful. This caused great fear among the people of Judah.

God’s Message to Ahaz: God sent the prophet Isaiah to reassure King Ahaz. Isaiah’s message was to trust in God rather than fear the attacking forces. He described the enemies as “smoldering stumps,” indicating that their power was fleeting and not to be feared.

Call for Faith: Isaiah emphasized that Ahaz needed to have faith in God. He warned that without firm faith, Ahaz and his kingdom would not stand firm.

This passage highlights the importance of trusting in God’s protection and guidance, even in the face of overwhelming threats. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and relying on human alliances and strategies.

Learning Lessons:

Isaiah 7:1-9 offers several profound lessons that can be applied to our lives today:

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Despite the overwhelming threat from Israel and Syria, God reassured King Ahaz through Isaiah that these enemies were like “smoldering stumps” (Isaiah 7:4). This teaches us to trust in God’s control over all situations, no matter how dire they seem.

Faith Over Fear: Isaiah’s message to Ahaz emphasized the importance of faith. He warned that without firm faith, Ahaz and his kingdom would not stand firm (Isaiah 7:9). This reminds us that faith in God is crucial, especially when facing challenges. Fear can paralyze us, but faith empowers us to move forward with confidence.

God’s Presence in Crisis: The passage shows that God is present and active even in times of crisis. He sent Isaiah to deliver a message of hope and reassurance to Ahaz. This encourages us to seek God’s guidance and presence when we are in difficult situations.

Avoiding Reliance on Human Alliances: Ahaz was tempted to rely on alliances with other nations for security. However, Isaiah’s message was clear: trust in God rather than human strategies. This teaches us to prioritize our reliance on God over human solutions.

The Consequences of Disobedience: Although not explicitly stated in these verses, the broader context of Ahaz’s reign shows that his lack of faith and disobedience led to negative consequences for Judah. This serves as a warning about the importance of obedience to God’s commands.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Do Not Be Afraid

In His Footsteps

Jesus calls us, bold and true,

To share our faith in all we do.

Stand for right, though trials near,

In His footsteps, we persevere.

Persecution, challenges, we face,

Yet find strength in His embrace.

God’s approval, our guiding light,

In His justice, we find our might.

If He cares for sparrows small,

Surely, He cares for us all.

His presence constant, provision sure,

In His love, we are secure.

Courageous hearts, in faith we rise,

Walking with Him, our greatest prize.

Through every storm, His peace we find,

In His footsteps, our hearts aligned.

REFLECTION:

“Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops." (Matthew 10:26-27)

Jesus calls us to be courageous in sharing our faith and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. As followers of Christ, we will face persecution, challenges and opposition in our faith journey just as He did but shall find strength knowing that we are walking in His footsteps. 

We should always prioritize God’s approval over human approval and trust in His ultimate authority and justice. 

If God cares for the smallest creatures, He certainly cares for us. This reassures us of His constant presence and provision in our lives.

A Prayer for Courage and Faith

Lord Jesus,

You call us to be courageous,

To share our faith and stand for what is right,

Even when the path is difficult and fraught with challenges.

As Your followers, we know we will face persecution,

Just as You did.

Grant us the strength to walk in Your footsteps,

Finding solace in Your unwavering presence.

Help us to prioritize Your approval over human praise,

Trusting in Your ultimate authority and justice.

If You care for the smallest creatures,

We are reassured of Your constant care for us.

Lord, fill our hearts with courage,

And our spirits with steadfast faith.

Guide us through every trial,

And let Your love be our guiding light.

In Your holy name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

III. Ministry and Mission in Galilee

COMING PERSECUTIONS / COURAGE UNDER PERSECUTION

Matthew 10:16-25 / 26-33

Gospel Acclamation

If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you. 

Gospel | Matthew 10:24-33

24 Jesus said to his Apostles: “No disciple is above his teacher, no slave above his master. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he become like histeacher, for the slave that he become like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of his household! 26 “Therefore do not be afraid of them. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 27 What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. 30 Even all the hairs of your head are counted. 31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32 Everyone who acknowledges me before others I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father. 33 But whoever denies me before others, I will deny before my heavenly Father.” 

Background:

Matthew 10:24-33 is part of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples as He sends them out to preach and heal. This passage emphasizes the challenges and persecutions they will face, but also reassures them of God’s care and the importance of their mission.

Here are some key points:

Discipleship and Persecution: Jesus warns that His disciples will face the same treatment He does. If people called Jesus “Beelzebub” (a name for Satan), His followers should expect similar accusations.

Fear and Courage: Jesus repeatedly tells His disciples not to fear. He assures them that everything hidden will be revealed, and they should boldly proclaim the truth.

God’s Care: Jesus uses the example of sparrows to illustrate God’s care. If God cares for sparrows, He certainly cares for His disciples, who are more valuable.

Confession and Denial: Jesus emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Him before others. Those who do will be acknowledged before God, while those who deny Him will be denied.

This passage encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, despite opposition, and to trust in God’s providence and protection.

Learning Lessons:

Matthew 10:24-33 offers several profound lessons for believers:

Embrace Persecution: Jesus reminds us that as His followers, we will face persecution just as He did. This teaches us to expect challenges and opposition in our faith journey, but also to find strength in knowing we are walking in His footsteps.

Fear God, Not Man: Jesus emphasizes the importance of fearing God rather than people. This means prioritizing God’s approval over human approval and trusting in His ultimate authority and justice.

Proclaim the Truth Boldly: Jesus encourages His disciples to speak the truth openly and without fear. This lesson calls us to be courageous in sharing our faith and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult.

Trust in God’s Care: The analogy of sparrows illustrates God’s intimate care for us. If God cares for the smallest creatures, He certainly cares for us. This reassures us of His constant presence and provision in our lives.

Confess Christ Publicly: Jesus highlights the importance of acknowledging Him before others. This teaches us the value of openly professing our faith and the promise that Jesus will acknowledge us before God.

These lessons encourage us to live boldly and faithfully, trusting in God’s care and guidance. 

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

FEAR OF MISFORTUNE

On that day, it shall be said: 

Fear not, 

be not discouraged! 

(Zephaniah 3:16)

The Lord has removed the judgment against you, He has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. (Zephaniah 3:15)

The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. (Zephaniah 3:17-18)

Father in heaven, You are always with me through Christ. Truly with You, there is no longer any further misfortune to fear. 

You alone O Lord, can give me hope each moment of my life. Hope that removes all discouragements and fears, hope that there is always a bright future ahead of me. Please keep me ever so close to You as I boldly and fearlessly face the challenges of the world with utmost hope and assurance that I shall always emerge victorious.

Today, I shout for joy, With utmost gladness I exult with all my heart, full of love and gratitude to You my Lord for the countless blessings that You keep pouring in my lap each day. Again, thank You so much dear Father for renewing me in Your love. 

You are with me today, a mighty savior who rejoices over me with gladness, and renews my heart in Your love. I may fail in countless times but You will always be there to lift me up for Your love for me is truly unconditional. You do not look upon my sins but my heart whose love You continue to fill. 

With much love and thanksgiving I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:

May 31, 2023, 8:35 AM

May 31, 2017, 6:22 AM

Might of God

 Your deed of hope will never be forgotten 

by those who tell of the might of God. 

(Judith 13:19)

God’s power is supreme and can manifest through individuals in extraordinary ways. He guides those who trust in Him, and with His guidance, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. What is important is to have faith and fully trust God’s plan, even when faced with great challenges. If those in charge fails us and our people, let us not be afraid to do what is right without them. It is important for us to take the and act decisively when necessary. We should always have the courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice for the greater good.

In the realm of the Divine, power supreme,

Manifests in us, like a radiant beam.

Guided by trust, in His holy name,

Over obstacles, we rise in His fame.

Faith is our anchor, trust our plan,

Even when challenges, like storms, began.

God's guidance, a beacon, in life's vast sea,

Helps us overcome, sets our spirits free.

When leaders fail, and hopes seem slight,

Fear not to stand, for what is right.

Take the helm, act with certainty,

For in decisive action, lies our liberty.

Courage and bravery, virtues so good,

Call us to self-sacrifice, as they should.

For the greater good, we make our stand,

Guided always, by God's loving hand.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge Your supreme power, which can manifest through us in extraordinary ways. We recognize Your guidance, bestowed upon those who trust in You, and with Your guidance, we can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Help us to have faith and fully trust Your plan, even when faced with great challenges. When those in charge fail us and our people, give us the courage to do what is right without them. 

Guide us to take the initiative and act decisively when necessary. Instill in us the virtues of courage, bravery, and self-sacrifice for the greater good. 

May we always remember that with You, nothing is impossible, and that You are always with us, guiding us, protecting us, and leading us towards Your divine will.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: Deliverance of the Jews

THE RETURN OF BETHULIA

Judith 13:10-20

Responsorial Psalm | Judith 13:18, 19 (or Psalm 87:1-2, 3, 5, 6-7)

R: You are the highest honor of our race. 

18 Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth. (R) 19 Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God. (R) 

Background:

Judith 13:18, 19 is a part of the Book of Judith in the Bible. The Book of Judith is a deuterocanonical book, included in the Septuagint and the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Christian Old Testament of the Bible.

The specific verses you mentioned are from the story of Judith’s victory over Holofernes. In this story, Judith, a beautiful widow, is able to enter the tent of Holofernes because of his desire for her. Holofernes was an Assyrian general who was about to destroy Judith’s home, the city of Bethulia. Overcome with drink, he passes out and is beheaded by Judith; his head is taken away in a basket.

In Judith 13:18, Uzziah, the leader of Bethulia, praises Judith, saying, "May you be blessed, my daughter, by God Most High, beyond all women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, who created the heavens and the earth, who guided you to cut off the head of the leader of our enemies!". This verse recognizes Judith’s bravery and credits her victory to the guidance of God.

In Judith 13:19, Uzziah continues his praise of Judith, saying, "Your hope will never depart from the hearts of men, as they remember the power of God". This verse acknowledges Judith’s trust in God and her role in demonstrating God’s power.

These verses highlight the themes of faith, divine guidance, and the power of individuals to act as instruments of God’s will1. They also underscore the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Learning Lessons:

Judith 13:18, 19 offers several important lessons:

Trust in God: Judith’s trust in God is praised and remembered. This teaches us the importance of having faith and fully trusting in God’s plan, even when faced with great challenges.

God’s Guidance: The verses highlight how God guided Judith to defeat the enemy. This underscores the belief that God guides those who trust in Him, and with His guidance, they can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

God’s Power: The verses acknowledge Judith’s role in demonstrating God’s power. This reminds us that God’s power is supreme and can manifest through individuals in extraordinary ways.

Courage and Bravery: Judith’s courage in risking her life to save her people is commended. This teaches us the value of courage and self-sacrifice for the greater good.

The Role of Women: Judith, a woman, is the hero of this story. This challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the significant contributions women can make.

Taking Initiative: If those in charge fail you and your people, don’t be afraid to do what is right without them. This teaches us about the importance of taking initiative and acting decisively when necessary.

These lessons remind us of the importance of trust in God, the power of His guidance, and the impact of individual courage and initiative. They also highlight the significant role women can play in enacting God’s plan. (Copilot)

Do Not Be Afraid

 “Joseph, son of David, 

do not be afraid to take Mary your wife 

into your home."

MATTHEW 1:20

Let us not be afraid to accept God’s purpose for our lives. God is with us, and He gives us His peace, which surpasses all understanding. He also gives us His strength, help, and protection, which enable us to overcome any difficulties or fears. He invites us to accept His gifts and trust in His promises. God says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10)

Do not be afraid to follow the Lord wherever He leads. He knows the way and He has a plan for your life. He will never leave you nor forsake you, He is faithful and true. He will guide you with His eye and His word, He is your light.

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)

Jesus is the name above all names because He is the Son of God, who came to earth as a human being, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead. He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings, who has all authority in heaven and on earth. He is the Savior of the world, who offers eternal life to all who believe in him. He is the Prince of Peace, who gives us His peace that surpasses all understanding. He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Holy One, the Lamb of God, the Word of God, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the True Vine, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Do not be afraid to follow the Lord wherever He leads. He will bless you and use you, He is your purpose and your reward. He will love you and delight in you, He is your Father and your friend. He will transform you and glorify you, He is your Lord and your King.

Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will raise up a righteous shoot to David; as king he shall reign and govern wisely, he shall do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah shall be saved, Israel shall dwell in security. This is the name they give him: “The Lord our justice.” Therefore, the days will come, says the Lord, when they shall no longer say, “As the Lord lives, who brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt”; but rather, “As the Lord lives, who brought the descendants of the house of Israel up from the land of the north” and from all the lands to which I banished them; they shall again live on their own land. (Jeremiah 23:5-8)

God values our obedience and integrity more than our religious rituals or offerings. He wants us to act with fairness and kindness towards others, especially the poor and the oppressed. To do what is right and just is pleasing to the Lord above more than the smoke of sacrifice. He wants our hearts to show His love. To do what is right and just is how we honor and obey the One who gave His life for us and calls us to follow His way.

Do not be afraid to follow the Lord wherever He leads. He will provide for you and protect you, He is your shepherd and your shield. He will comfort you and strengthen you, He is your peace and your joy. He will heal you and restore you, He is your hope and your salvation

O God, with your judgment endow the king, and with your justice, the king’s son; He shall govern your people with justice and your afflicted ones with judgment. For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous deeds. And blessed forever be his glorious name; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. (Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19)

Lord Jesus, I will follow You wherever You go. You are the way, the truth, and the life, You are my Lord and my God. You have called me by name, You have chosen me as Your own. You have loved me with an everlasting love, You have died for me on the cross

Lord Jesus, I will follow You wherever You go. You are the king, the priest, and the prophet, You are my leader and my teacher. You have given me Your authority, You have anointed me with Your gifts. You have spoken to me Your promises, You have revealed to me Your will

Lord Jesus, I will follow You wherever You go. You are the alpha, the omega, and the amen, You are my beginning and my end. You have created me in Your image, You have redeemed me by Your grace. You have prepared a place for me, You will come again for me.

Pericope:

I: The Infancy Narrative

THE BIRTH OF JESUS

Matthew 1:18-25

III: Oracles in the Last Years of Jerusalem

MESSIANIC REIGN

Jeremiah 23:1-8

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

A PRAYER FOR THE KING

Psalm 72:1-20

Avoid Fear and Anxieties

 “Sleep has departed from my eyes, 

for my heart is sinking with anxiety."

1 MACCABEES 6:10

Fear and anxieties, like shadows cast by unseen hands, often creep into our hearts. But fear not, for within the labyrinth of uncertainty lies a lantern—the light of resilience.

In the quiet chambers of your soul, breathe. Inhale courage, exhale doubt. Let your heartbeat be a mantra, echoing strength. For fear is but a phantom, and anxiety a tempest that subsides.

Anchor yourself in the present. Feel the ground beneath your feet—the solid earth that cradles your steps. Each moment is a vessel, sailing toward the horizon of possibility.

Speak kindness to your restless mind. Whisper affirmations like petals carried by the wind. You are not alone; the universe conspires in your favor.

Embrace uncertainty as a dance partner. Spin with the stars, twirl with the moon. The unknown is a canvas awaiting your brushstrokes.

And when the night grows thick, remember: you are woven from stardust. Your bones, constellations; your breath, cosmic winds. Fear cannot extinguish the celestial fire within.

So, dear traveler, tread softly. The path ahead may twist, but you carry galaxies in your veins. And as you journey, know that fear and anxieties are but stepping stones toward resilience.

Pericope:

III: Leadership of Judas Maccabeus

DEFEAT AND DEATH OF ANTIOCHUS IV

1 Maccabees 6:1-16

Reflection Source:

Microsoft Bing

God Takes Action

And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, 

My own special possession, on the day I take action. 

And I will have compassion on them, 

as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. 

MALACHI 3:17

The day is coming, blazing like an oven, when all the proud and all evildoers will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire, leaving them neither root nor branch, says the Lord of hosts. But for you who fear My name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. (Mal 3:19-20)

Fear not, call out to God! As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God, turn now ten times the more to seek him. (Bar 4:27-28) You will again see the distinction between the just and the wicked; between the one who serves God, and the one who does not serve Him. (Mal 3:18)

Jesus said, “And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Lk 11:9-10) All things have been handed over to Me by My Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.” (Lk 10:22)

See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts be revived! For the Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds He spurns not. (Ps 69:33-34)

Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent,  but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night. He is like a tree planted near running water, that yields its fruit in due season, and whose leaves never fade. Whatever he does, prospers. Not so the wicked, not so; they are like chaff which the wind drives away. For the Lord watches over the way of the just, but the way of the wicked vanishes. (Psalm 1:1-6)

“I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although You have hidden these things from the wise and the learned You have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been Your gracious will.” (Lk 10:21)