baby-talk
"Jesus spoke thus: 'Father, Lord of heaven and earth, to You I offer praise; for what You have hidden from the learned and the clever You have revealed to infants.' " —Matthew 11:25, our transl.
The Lord reveals Himself especially to infants, that is, to people aware of their utter dependence on Him. It is a fearful thing for adults to be very aware of their complete dependence on God (see Heb 10:31). Only those freed by the Spirit to know and trust God as their Abba (see Gal 4:6) can truly admit their dependence on Him. Then, like an infant, their souls are "stilled and quieted" (Ps 131:2). They have "let go and let God."
Those who have abandoned themselves to the Lord are secure. Consequently, when God reveals Himself to them, they can hear Him out without thinking about what they are going to say back to God to get their way or defend themselves. It's difficult for us to listen to others and to God because, after we listen a little bit, we stop listening and think about ourselves. However, those who believe that, in regard to God, they are as helpless as infants do not try to do anything when God reveals Himself. They only listen, are docile, and receive God's revelation of Himself.
Prayer: Father, may I admit my total dependence on You, rejoice in it, and receive the fullness of Your revelation.
Promise: "No one knows the Son but the Father, and no one knows the Father but the Son — and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him." —Mt 11:27
Praise: Ralph has taken the steps in the Twelve Step Program many times, beginning with: "Admit you are powerless."
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, January 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 24, 2001